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BKiiIXl'8 

OUTLINES 

OF 

CHRONOLOGY, 

ANCIENT AND MODERN ; 

BSma AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ITUDY Of 



HISTORY. 



rOR THB XrSB OF 80HOOI*«. 



HARTFORD, 

SAMUEL a. GOODRICH, 
18A6. 



DISTKK T OF CONNECTICUT, *.v. 
Be it REMEivtBKREu, That on the fifth day of 
L. S. J'lly, in the fiftieth year of the Independence of 
the United States of America, Samuek G. Goon- 
RicH hath deposited in tuis Office the title of a Book, thM| 
right whereof hecJainis as proprietor, in the words folIow||| 
ing, to wit : 

" Blair's Outlines of Chronology, ancient and mod- 
*' em , being an Introduction to the Study of His- 
" tory ; for the use of schools." 
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United 
States, entitled, " An act for the encouragement of learn- 
ing, by securmg the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, 
to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the 
times therein mentioned." 

CHARLES A. INGERSOLL, 
UviUMil' U* ■ Clerk of the District, of Cnnnecticut. 

ATrue copy of Record, examined and sealed by me, 
CHARLES A. INGERSOLL, 
Clerk of the District nf Connecticut, 



28 






ADVERTISEMENT. 



This work is introductory to a series of Histories, now 
preparing on an improved plan, calculated to render the 
study easy, interesting, and peruianeutly useful. The 
following will appear soon — viz. 

Blair's Outlines of Ancient History. 

Blair's Outlines of Modcn History. 

Blair's Outlines of the History of Greece. 

Blair's Outlines of the t^iotory of Rome. 

Blair's Outlines of the History of England. 

Blair's Outlines of the History of France. 

Blair's Outlines of Ecclesiastical History. 

(Cr These works are entirely original, but are called 
JB/air'«, (being partly on the plan of his celebrated books 
for education,) for the purpose of giving a uniform and 
coDDected series, a title designating such connection. 



PREFACE. 

This work is designed to be introductory to the study 
of General History. That it is calculated lo be useful as 

Kuch, may perhapb appear from the following considera- 
ions 

It will be had in recollection, that a child, when intro- 
duced to the study of History, has Jew or no ideas on the 
subject. His conceptions are, therefore, as in all other 
similar cases, at first partial, confused, and formed with 
difficulty- It is but by degrees, and after repeated efforts, 
that the topics of history are even understood. 

But if the ideas of history are conceived with difficulty, 
theforniiiiion of its complicated details, into clear and lu- 
cid general views, while it is equally important, is still 
more difficult ; and as history is generally taught, is rare- 
ly done. 

Another fact should be considered — that as all study is 
labour, the study of history must be, in itself, disagreeable 
and onerous to the pupil, unless it presents to him agree- 
able ideas — pictures addressed to his imagination, charac- 
ters with whom he may sympathize, or events calculated 
to touch his feelings. 

This point seems not to have been apprehended in the 
construction of most of the juvenile histories in use. They 
are usually composed in a style by no means adapted to 
youthful capacities, and are therefore not understood ; 
they are generally put together without any other ar- 
rangement than a chronological succession, thus crowd- 
ing the mind with a multitude of facts having no other 
relation to evich other than thai they occurred about the 
same time, or in the same place — they are too frequently 
extended treatises, and quite beyond the scope of youth — 
or barren compends, presenting nothing but diy dates, 
and general statements, and therefore exciting no inter- 
est in the mind, and leaving no impression on the memo- 

This work, it is hoped, is calculated in some measure to 
remedy these evils. The subject of history is here open- 
ed to tlie mind of the pupil, by presenting a few of the 
great events with which it is distinfiuished. Here they 
are presented in easy terms, and disengaged from any 



IV PREFACE. 

■uch connections, IB would be likelj to confound the minJ. 
These events being fixed in the mind, the pupil, as it 
were, looking- from commaudmg eminences, is led to take 
a brief, but distinct survey of the whole field of history. 
He thus gets a clear and comprehensive view of the sub- 
ject in outline, and is therefore qualified to enter» 8 
without danger of confusion, upon a more extended study 
of the subject; and if this outline is strongly fixed in Ins 
memory, as it is designed to be, he will through life have 
in recollection the great dales in chronology, and be thus 
able to fix other dates with sufficient precision for all 
practical purposes. 



REMARKS TO TEACHERS. 

It is designed that the General Divisions be 
committed strongly to memory, so that the pu- 
pil may never forget them. 

It is proposed, in general, only to require the 
pupil to recite what is in larger type ; the teach- 
er will extend the examination farther as he 
choose^. 

It is suggested that the pupil be required to 
read the book once or twice through, before he is 
examined by the questions. 



CHRONOLOGY. 

Chronology may be divided into two parts, 
viz. Ancient and Modern. 

Ancient Chronology extends from the Crea- 
tion of the world to the Nativity of Christ, a pe- 
riod of 4004 years: Modern Chronology ex- 
tends from the Nativity of Christ to the present 
time. 

The word Chronology means, at larg-e, the science 
of computing- and adjusting periods of time, and treats 
of its division into certain portions, as days, months, 
years, and centuries. But it is here used only in its 
application to History, and as marking certain distinct 
events, which have occurred on the globe. 
♦ — 
ANCIENT CHRONOLOGY 

extends from the Creation of the world, 4004 
years Before Christ, to his Nativity. 

For the purpose of iixing certain prominent events 
in the mind, by which we may be able to recollect oth- 
er events connected with these, and thus establish an 
outline of History in the memory, we will divide An- 
cient Chronology into Ten Periods. 

GENERAL DIVISION. 

PSHZOD I. will extend from the Creation 
of the world, 4004 years Before Christ, to the 
Deluge, 2348 years B . C. To this period we 
give the name oi Antediluvian. 

PERIOD ZX. will extend from the Deluge, 
2:^8 years B. C. to the Calling of Abraham, 
1921 years B. C. This is the period of Confu- 
sion of Languages. 

1* 



CHR0N0L09Y. 



PERXOD XZZ. will extend from the Calling 
of Abraham, 1921 years B.C. to the Founding 
of Athens, 1 556 years B. C. This is the period 
of Egyptian Bondage. % 

PERIOD IV. will extend from the Found- 
ing of Athens, 1556 years B. C. to the Dedica- 
tion of Solomon's Temple, 1004 years B.C. 
This is the period of the Trojan ffar. 

PERIOD V. will extend from the Dedica- 
tion of Solomon's Temple, 1004 years B. C. to 
the Founding of Rome, 752 years B, C. This 
is the period of Homer. 

PERIOD VI. will extend from the Found- 
ing of Rome, 752 years B. C. to the War be- 
tween the Greeks and Persians, 496 years B. 
C. This is the period of Boman Kings. 

PERIOD VII. will extend from the War 
between the Greeks and Persians, 496 years B, 
C. to the Birth of Alexander, 356 years B. C. 
This is the period of Grecian Glory. 

PERIOD VIIZ. will extend fiom the Birth 
of Alexander, 356 years B. C. to the Destruc- 
tion of Carthage, 1 46 years B. C. This is the 
period. of /?owr/7i Military Bcvoum. 

PERIOD IX. will extend from the Destruc- 
tion of Carthage, 146 years B. C. to the First 
Campaign of Julius Caesar, 80 years B.C. This 
is the period of the Civil War betirccn Marius 
and Sylla. 

PERIOD Z. will extend from the First Cam- 
paign of Julius Caesar, 80 years B. C. to the Na- 
tivity of Jesus Christ, and the Commencement 
of the Christian era. This is the period of Bo- 
man Literature. 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 

PERIOD X. 

THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD 

EXTENDS FROM THE 

CREATION, 




^004 years B .Cto the Deluge, 2343 years B. C. 



Antediluvian^ signifies before the floods and the period 
under this name embraces 1656 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD I. 

This period includes four principal events. 
First, the Creation : 

Second, the Transgression of Adam and Eve : 
Third, the Murder of Abel by his brother Cain : 
Fourth, the Prediction of the Deluge to 
Noah. 

The only account we have of these events is contain- 
ed in the Dible, which is extremely brief, though inte- 
resting", and in tlie highest degree authentic. "^ 

1. The Crcfl'/ZoTZ of this globe, includingthe crea- 
tures that inhabit it, occupied six da^s. x God 
rested on the seventh day, and set it apart, ever 
after, as a day on which man is to worship him. 



y CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 

This event transpired 4004 years B. C accord- 
ing to the Hebrew computation. 

The particular manner in which the work of Crea- 
tion proceeded, is left almost wholly to conjecture. — 
The Scriptural narrative is very concise, and moreo- 
ver it does not aim at philosophical accuracy in the de- 
scription of events. It speaks according to appearan- 
ces, and in the language of common men. 

It is generally supposed, that the successive parts of 
the Creation were instantaneously brought into being, 
on the different days assif^ncd to thrm. Some learned 
men, however, have conjectured, and endeavoured to 
shew, that the work occupied some thousands of years, 
and tliat the days of which Moses speaks, as in some 
other parts of Scripture, mean not days literally, but 
periods of indefinite length. 

This interpretation is supposed to correspond better 
with certain appearances on the earth's surface indi- 
caMng a vast series of ages in its formation. But it 
may be remarked, that the fact itself on wliich this in- 
terpretation is founded, is extremely dou'otful, and that 
it is (akmg unwarrantable liberty with the sacred nar- 
rative, to construe it in such a manner. 

2. The transgression of Adam arid Eve, com- 
monly called the Fall of man, is detailed in the 
third chapter of Genesis, ll took place proba- 
bly soon after the Creation, and has been most 
avvfiil in its consequences. 

The sum of the information conveyed to us in this 
account, taken in connexion with a statement in the 
preceding chapter, is, that man, being created inno- 
cent, with a disposition to do right, and in all cases to 
comply with the holy will of God, was placed in a state of 
trial. 

In this situation he was at length beset by the Devil, 
in the form of a serpent, who persuaded him to depart 
from the path of rectitude, and to violate an express 
command of his Maker. 

In consequence of this departure from duty, he lost 
the favour of God, his disposition became sinful, and 



CREATION TO THE DELUGE 2343 B.C. 9 

bis whole posteritj^, partakin|f of his altered, depraved 
nature, became involved in all evil. 

The Garden of Eden, in which man was orig^inalljr 
placed, and in which this transaction occurred, is bj 
some supposed to have been situated in Mesopotamia, 
now Diarbec, between the rivers Tigris and Euphra- 
tes. There is, however, a variety of opinion on the 
subject, and every quarter of the globe has, in its tHrn, 
been conjectured to include this delightful place. It 
is impossible at the present time to determine its lo- 
cality with certainty, any farther than that it must have 
been some where in Asia. 

3. The Murder of Abel was one of the first 
fruits of man's apostacy, and is supposed to have 
occurred about thirty years from the Creation. 
Cain was a husbandman : Abel was a' shep- 
herd. Abel had favour shown him by God on 
account of his piety. This circumstance ex- 
cited the envy and jealousy of Cain, who ac- 
cordingly slew his brother. 

The particulars of this story may be found in Gene- 
sis, chap. iv. They are briefly these. Cain and Abel, 
at a certain time, both brought an offering to the Lord. 
Cain's offering consisted of the fruit of the ground. 
Abel's, of the firstlings of his flock. AbePs offering, being 
an animal sacrifice, had respect to the atonement of the 
promised seed. Cain's had no such respect ; and this differ- 
ence, origmating doubtless from different moral feelings, 
was the reason why Abel was accepted, and Cain rejecteil. 

In consequence of the distinction which God thus 
made between them, Cain was exasperated, and he 
wickedly wreaked his resentment on his unoffending 
brother. Taking an opportunity when they were in 
the field together, he rose against Abel, and slew him. 
The consequence to Cain was the awful curse of God. 

4. The Prediction of the Deluge to Noah, was 
of the nature of a warning to him, in order that 
he might prepare for it. It was communicated 
to him 1 20 years before the deluge took place, 



10 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 1. 

and 1536 years from the Creation. This judg- 
ment from God was to be sent on the world 
with a view to cut off the inhabitants, who had 
become exceedingly wicked. 

The scripfural narrative informs us, that such was 
the warning given tu Noah, and that such was the pro- 
curing cause of the deluge, and details the manner in 
which Noah was commanded to provide for the safety of 
himself and family. Gen. chap. vi. II — 21, — which con- 
sult. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD I. 

1. Adarrij the first of the human race. 

2. Eve, the first woman. 

3. Enoch, translated to heaven on account of 
his piety. 

4. Methuselah, the oldest man that has ever 
lived, being 969 years old when he died. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD I. 

1. This period embraces the extended space of 1656 
years, and includes the whole history of the antediluvian 
world. 

It would be very interesting to know more particu- 
larly the state of society, the extent of population, the 
progress in arts and sciences, the condition of political 
institutions, &c. during this period. liut the scriptures 
give us very little information on these subjects. 

2. We are told that " Jabal was the father of such 
as dwell in tents," which shews that a rude knowledge 
of architecture was possessed ; and that " Jubal was 
the father of all such as handle the harp and organ," 
which shews that in addition to the mechanic arts, the 
science of music was not unknown. 

We are informed that the posterity of Setb mnde dis- 
coveries in astronomy, which they engraved on two 
pillars, the one of brick, and the other of stone. The 
latter, it is alTirmed, existed after the delune, and re- 
mained entire in the time of Josephus; that is, nearly 
a century after Christ. 

3. It is highly probable, from the long life of man 



CREATION TO THE DELUGE 2343 B. C. 11 

Hillings this period — the average age being 6 or 7 hun- 
dred years— that very considerable progress was made 
in most branches of human pursuit. 

Some suppose that man was aided by inspiration ; 
hut even if left to the ordinary operation of his facul- 
ties, the accumulation of individual knowledge and ex- 
perience, during a life of 6 or 700 years, must have re- 
sulted in a successful cultivation of the arts and scien- 
ces. 

4. Nothing definite can be settled as to the extent 
of population. Some imagine that it was very great, 
far exceeding what it is at present. But from various 
circumstances, the probability is, that it was much 
smaller, and that mankind were not widely diffused 
over the earth. If any thing on this subject may be 
ascertained or fairly conjectured from geological stu- 
dies, the opinion of Cnvier, that the human race inhab- 
ited some narrow districts, is probably correct. 

5. The government which existed in antediluvian 
times, was doubtless patriarchal ; that is, the govern- 
ment which was held by the heads of separate families. 
A number of these might perhaps combine, and place 
themselves under the direction of some common ances- 
tor. 

This is the most natural form of government, and 
best corresponds with the veneration which must have 
been paid to persons so very aged, as the early fathers 
of mankind were ; and also with the fact, that there is 
no mention made in the Bible of kindly authority, un- 
til after the deluge. Indeed, succeedmg this event, the 
government was considerably patriarchal down to the 
time of Moses. 



15 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

PERIOD ZI. 

THE PERIOD OF CONFUSION OF LAN 
GUAGES, 

EXTENDS FROM THE 



DELUGE, 




2348 years B. C. to the Calling of Abraham 
1921 years B. C. and embraces 427 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD II. 

Under this period we may enumerate fiv( 

principal events. 
First, the Deluge. 

Second, the Building of the Tower of Babel 
Third, the Foundation of the Assyrian empire 
Fourth, the Establishment of the First Dy 

nasty of Chinese Emperors : 
Fifth, the Foundation of the kingdom of Egypt 

The Bible is our principal guide, in regard to tht 
events of this period. The concurring testimony of pro 
fane history, though ver? fabulous, begins now to be o 
some little uRe. 

1. The Deh/ge, or flood of waters which en 
tirely covered the earth, destroyed the wholi 



DELUGE, 2343, TO ABRAHAM 1921 B. C. 13 

human race, except eight individuals. It hke- 
wise destroyed the whole animal creation, ex- 
cept a pair of each species. This event occur- 
red 2348 years B. C. 

The Scriptures give us several particulars of this re- 
markable occurrence, which was so disastrous to our 
globe. They are briefly these. Noah, who was right- 
eous amid the general wickedness, was commanded to 
build an ark, or large ship, in expectation of the deluge. 

This structure, which was more than 480 feet in 
length, 81 in breadth, and 41 in height, was sufficiently 
capacious to answer the purpose for which it was de- 
signed. 

It consisted of three stories, and was divided into 
many small apartments, for its intended inhabitants. 
At the appointed time the family of Noah, and all kinds 
of beasts, birds and reptiles, by pairs, entered the ark, 
and God caused the earth to be so overflowed, by rain 
from the skies, and by breaking up the fountains of the 
deep, that every creature without the ark perished. 

After floating on the water 150 days, the ark rested 
on one of the summits of Mount Ararat, though it was 
leveral months afterwards that the waters entirely de- 
parted from the earth. 

According to the computation of time used in Scrip- 
ture, Noah and his companions continued in the ark 
one year and ten days. 

Traditions respecting a general deluge have been 
handed down among almost all nations, and the earth 
bears visible marks of having experienced some great 
convulsion. 

2. The Building of the Tower ofBahel, w^hich 
took place about 2247 years B. C. w^as com- 
menced in the valley of Shinar, by Noah's pos- 
terity- As it vv^as designed for improper purpo- 
ses, it incurred the disapprobation of God, who 
miraculously confounded their language, and 
thus dispersed them into different nations. 
2 



14 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

From the sacred record it appears, that previoiw to 
this event, mankind spctkc but one langfuage— that in 
jouroeyjng from the east, in Armenia, where the first 
settlements were made after tlie flood, they came to a 
vast plaiu in Shiaar, where they took up their dwel- 
linj?. 

Here they conceived the ambitious desig-n of build- 
ing a city, and a tower, whose top should reach to hea- 
ven, in order that they might both acquire renown, 
and prevent their dispersion over the earth. 

God, however, having designed to form men into 
different nations, and being displeased with their pre- 
sumption, and perhaps their covert attempt to intro- 
duce idolatry, prevented the accomplishment of their 
design, by coofounding their language. 

Being thus compelled to relmquish their underta- 
king, the city was named Babel, or Confusiony and the 
dispersion of men was the immediate consequence. 

3. The Foundaiion of the Assyrian Empire^ 
was laid by Ashur, about 2229 years B. C. 
That and the Babylonian empire continued sep- 
arate for some time, but were at length united 
into one, by means of mutual conquests. 

The name Assyria is derived from Ashur, the se- 
cond son of Shem, and grandson of Noah. He built 
Nineveh, which becsrre the capital of the empire, and 
was 60 miles in circumference. 

Nimrod is supposed to h;ive founded the Babylonian . 
empire, by building Babylon, its capital ; althougti it 
must have been an inconsiderable place, until it was 
embellished and enlarged by Semiramis. It then be- 
came the most magnificent city in the world, not ex- 
cepting Nineveh itself. 

Semiramis assembled 2,CX)0,000 of men to assist in 
the work. Ninus, the successor of Ashur, is said to 
have united the kingdoms of Aiisyria and Babylon, by 
seizing on Chaldea and Babylon. He is said, also, to 
have made other extensive conquests. 

The Assyrian chronology, it must be owned, is ex- 
ceedingly perplexed aud uncertain, and many eveot».j 



DELUGE, 2343, TO ABRAHAM 1921 B. C. i 

recorded bj profane biittorians are too marrellous to be 
credited. 

4. The Establishment of the First Dynasty of 
the Chines^ Emperors, is dated 2207 years B. C 
It is called the dynasty of Hia. and was sue 
ceeded by four others antecedently to the Chris- 
tian era. Of these, however, we have scarcely 
any knowledge. 

The records of the Chinese empire extend to little 
more than 2rNX) years B. C. This people, however, 
hke most of the oriental nations, claim a much higher 
antiquity. But Scripture, the stale of human society, 
and authentic history, discountenance such pretensions. 

According to Sir Isaac Newton, " all nations, be- 
fore they began to keep exact records of time, seem to 
have been led away by the false pride of heightening 
their antiquity, and of ascribing their origin to some 
divinity, or renowned prince, often known only in fa- 
ble, and handed down by legendary tradition." 

Yuta, who was skilled in astronomy and agriculture, 
was at the head of the first dynasty, and under his reign 
the empire flourished. 

5. The Foundation of the Kingdom ofEsypt, 
is ascribed to Menes, (in scripture, Misraim.) 
2188 years B. C. Menes. who was a descend- 
ant of Ham. joined together several independent 
principalities, which thenceforth became one 
monarchy.' 

Difficulties occur in (he chronology of the Egyptians, 
but all historians asrree, that Menes was ihe first mon- 
arch of that people. The states he united, were 
Thebes. Thin, Vtemphis. and Tanais. Under his 
reign, Egypt became civilized, and flourished in arts 
and sciences. 

During the rei<rn of Timaus, one of his successors, 
however, the government was subverted bv a barba- 
rous people from the Ea^t, who kept po<5=ession of the 
country for more than two centuries. Their govern- 
ment is called that of the Slitpherd Kings. 



lb CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

From the time of Menes to the Shepherd kings is 
called the first ag-e of tl»e Egyptian monarchy. In this 
age the occult sciences were studied, and agriculture 
attended to. From the Shepherd kings to Sesostris 
was the second age. During this age, the art oi war 
and architecture were chiefly cultivated. 

Owing to the oppression of the times, many of the 
Egyptians left their country, and settled colonies in 
other lands, into which their sciences and arts were in- 
troduced. From Sesostris to Amasis was the the third 
age, which was an age of luxury andconquest. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD II. 

1. Noah, fiom whom the earth was a second 
time peopled. 

2. Nimrod, a warrior, and supposed to be the 
first king. 

3. Ashur, who built Nineveh. 

4. Menes, first king of Egypt, and civiUzer of 
the East. # 

5. Semiramis, a female conqueror, and able 
sovereign. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD II. 

1. This period, embracing 4:27 years, is a very inte- 
resting part of the general history of the world, as it 
includes one of the most remarkable events since the 
creation, (viz. the deluge) — the peopling of the earth 
after this event — the dispersion of mankind — the settle- 
ment and origin of nations, &c. Our information, how- 
ever, is not copious, nor, in every respect, except 
where the Scriptures give an account, to be depended on. 

2. In the settlement and origin of nations, it i^ to be 
gathered, and inferred from the scriptural account, 
that the three sons of Noah settled severally the three 
great portions of the Eastern continent-- Japheth, Eu- 
rope—Ham, Africa — Shem, Asia. Porlionj?, however, 
of Asia, seem also to have been settled by Japheth and 
Ham. 

It is evident that particular nations, such as the 
Medes, Greeks, Ethiopians, Egyptians, and some oth* 



DELUGE, 2343, TO ABRAHAM 1921 B. C). 17 



ers, derived their origin directly from several of the 
sons of Japheth, Ham and Sbem, mentioned by name in 
scripture. 

3. The population of the earth after the deluge must 
have increased with great rapidity, since in the course of 
two or three generations, we read of the founding of na- 
tions, and the building of cities, which soon became ex- 
ceedingly distinguished. 

4. The discoveries, inventions, and improvements made 
by mankind in those early times, mubt have been very 
considerable. At first, necessity, and afterwards conve- 
nience, urgpd tlse cultivation of the arts. The rudiments 
of some of the higher branches of knowledge appeared 
during this period of the world. 

Naval architecture, if not invented, was greatly impro- 
ved by the Phoenicians. In the time of Abraham they 
were known to be a commercial people, and probably be- 
gan to be such some time before. 

Astronomy originated with the Chaldeans. Geometry 

«s first found out by the Egyptians. The occupations of 
former, niaoy of whom were shepherds watching their 
flocks by night, led to the knowledge of astronomy : the 
admeasurement of the lands annually disturbed by the 
overflowing of the Nile, inJuced to the cultivation of Ge- 
ometry by the latter. 

5. Heroic exploits, and the practice of war, were not 
unknown to this period. The earlh being probably covered 
with woods, and at length greatly infested by wild beasts, 
led to the business of hunting, which was not an 
amusement, as now, but a means of self defence. In this 
pursuit Nimiod became distinguished, and is supposed to 
have aimed at dominion over his fellow men. Hence ap- 
pear to have arisen the projects of ambition, and the 
butcheries of war. 

6. The religion of this period was doubtless at first the 
pure worship of God, especially in the family of Noah. 
But the knowledge of this holy Being seems soon to have 
been almost lost from among mankind. 

Tradition introduced many absurd notions into religion, 
bringing on those gross ideas of the Deity, which so rap- 
idly overspread the world. The number of false divini- 
ties continuing to multiply, was the occasion of the cal' 
ling of Abraham. 2* 



18 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 111. 

PERIOD ZIZ. 

THE PERIOD OF EGYPTIAN BONDAGE, 

EXTENDS FROM THE CALLING OF 

ABRAHAM. 




1921 years B. C to the Founding of Athens, 
1 556 yeofs B. C and embraces 365 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD III. 

Five principal events are included within this 
period. 

First, the Calling of Abraham : 
Second, the Destruction of Sodom and Go- 
morrah by fire from Heaven : 
Third, the arrival of Inachus in Greece : 
Fourth, the Selling of Joseph into Egypt : 
Fifth, the Persecution of the Israelites by 
Pharaoh. 

These events are chiefly matter of Sacred Record, to 
which we must repair for the requisite information, deri- 
ving' at the same time what lijjht we are able from pro- 
fane history. 

1. The Calling of Abrahajn,y\h'\ch was de- 
signed by Jehovah, to preserve him and his de- 
scendants from idolatry, with the promise that 
in him all the families of the earth should be 



ABRAHAM, 1921, TO ATHENS 1556 B. C. 19 

blessed, took place when he was 73 years old, 
1921 years B.C. 

Abraham was the tenth in lineal descent from Shem. 
He was born inChaldea; but as God intended him to be 
the progenitor of a distinguished nation, and of the prom- 
ised seed, he separated him from the other descendants of 
Shem, by causing Terah, his father, to remove from Chal- 
dea into Haram. 

Here Abraham intended to settle ; but in obedience to 
the divine will, he removed into Canaan, which was ap- 
pointed to be the inheritance of his posterity. To Abra- 
ham God committed the essential truths of religion, which 
had become so absurd, by tnenns of idulatty. He formed 
of his family a peculiar people, vrith instiiictions to wor- 
ship the true God alone, an<] in process of time, they were 
inclosed in the precincts of the land of Canaan. 

The increase of Abrahjirn's family was slow at first; but 
his grandson Jacob left a numerous offspring, who became 
the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their very inte- 
rl^ting history is minutely told in the sacred volume. 

2. The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorralu 
by fire from heaven^ was an awful expression of 
God's displeasure, on account of the enormous 
wickedness of their inhabitants. It took place 
about 1897 years B. C. during the life of Abra- 
ham, who interceded for the cities, but in vain. 

This catastrophe, and its various preparatory circum- 
stances, are recorded in the 18th and 19th chapters of Ge- 
nesis, from which it appears that Lot, (Abraham's ne- 
phew) and his two daughters, who sojourned in Sodom, 
escaped barely with their lives. Other cities of less con- 
quence, viz. Zeboim and Adma, were destroyed at the 
same time. 

The plain on which these cifi«s stood is described to 
have been pleasant and fruitful. It is now covered with 
water, forming what is called the Dead Sea, or Lake of 
Sodom. This sea and the adjoining country have many 
peculiaVities. The water is said to be salt, bitter and nau- 
seous to the laste, and to have a sulphurous smell. 



20 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 111. 

Quantities of bitumen, which resemble pitch, are gather* 
ed in the vicinity. 

3. The Arrival of Inachus in Greece^ from 
Phoenicia, is connected with the foundation of 
the kingdom of Argos. This event took place 
1857 years B. C. 

Inachus is called the son of the ocean, because he came 
to Gretce by sea. By some he is said to have been the 
last of the Titans, a Phoenician colony who gave the 
Greeks the first notion ofcivihzation and religion, and in- 
troduced the worship of their own gods — Saturn, Jupiter, 
Ceres, &c. 

The aborigines of Greece, who were denominated Pe- 
lasgi. Hiantes, &c. were extremely barbarous. They 
wandered in woods without law or government, having 
but little intercourse with each other. They clothed 
themselves with the skins of beasts; retreated for shelter 
to rocks and caverns ; lived on acorns, wild fruit and raw 
flesh, and even devoured the enemies they slew in bat| 

4. The Selling of Joseph into Egypt, by 
brethren, was the effect of their envy and ha- 
tred, but overruled by the providence of God to 
bring to pass very important results. We date 
this event about 1 729 years B. C. 

The very affecting story of Joseph is recorded in seve- 
ral of the last chapters of Genesis, and is probably well 
known to the reader. A very brief outline is the follow- 
ing. 

Joseph was the youngest son but one of the patriarch 
Jacob. He was greatly beloved by his father on account 
of his piety; and on the same account, aided by Jacob's 
partiality, hated by his brethren. An occasion being pre- 
sented of injuring him, they, after various projects, found 
aa opportunity ol selling him to a company of IsLmaelites, 
who were travelling into Egypt. 

Here he was sold again, and after various trials and 
changes, became by his merit connected with Pharaoh, 
married Potipherah's daughter, and arrived to be the per- 
son of the greatest coosequence in the kingdom, next to 
the sovereiga. 



ABRAHAM, 1921, TO ATHENS 1556 B.C. 21 

A famine which prevailed in that part of the world at 
that time, led his brethren into Eg:ypt to buy corn, where 
gre«t quantities of it were deposited, and of v/hich Joseph 
had the distribution. Joseph, who knew his brethren 
while they were ignorant that it was he, after having suf- 
ficieotly humbled and proved them, made himself known to 
them, to their utter astonishment and terror 

But forgiving- their crime, and inviting his Father and 
family into Egypt, he settled lliem there, where they in- 
creased at length to a great nation. 

5. The Persecution of the Israelites hy Pha- 
raoh, occurred after the death of Joseph, and 
under the administration of another king by the 
name of Pharaoh, " who knew not Joseph." It 
commenced about 1580 years B. C. ; and was 
designed to retard the progress of the Israehtes 
in power and numbers. 

The children of Israel had become so numerous and 
powerful, that they began to be an object of fear to the 
Egyptians. The latter therefore took methods to prevent 
their prosperity ; methods marked by great injustice and 
cruelty. The livns of the Hebrews were made wretched 
by hard service, and their male children were ordered to 
be drowned at their birth. 

Nothing however could be done to prevent their in- 
crease ; and after suffering great extremities, God at 
length raised them up a deliverer. The particulars of 
this persecution of God's chosen people, are given in the 
] St and 5th chapters of Exodus. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD III. 

1. Abraham, the immediate progenitor of the 
Hebrew nation. 

2. Melchisedec, king of Salem, and " priest of 
the Most High God." 

3. Sesostris, an Egyptian hero and conqueror. 

4. Joseph, the first ruler of Egypt under Pha- 
raoh. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD III. 
1. This period, like the last, includes a portion of the 



22 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 111. 

world^s history, which is but partially illustrated by r.oy 
records that we possess concerning it. The Bible contain* 
the principal materials. . It was the period of com- 
mencing- civilization with one or two nations, aud of con- 
siderable advancement in it, with some others. 

In general the East was a number of ages ahead of the 
Northern or Western nations in civilization ; and befire 
the latter began to make much progicss, the former was 
nearly at its height. 

2. The dispensations of God towards his church hither- 
to, deserve our attentive study. When man first sinned 
and fell, God immediately promised a Saviour. . This sup- 
ported the piety of his people in the antediluvian age. 
When however their number decreased, aud lliat of the 
wicked so increased, that the earth was filled as it were 
with iniquity, he destroyed its inhabitants. 

After the re -peopling of the earth, and the vast aug- 
mentation of wickedness again, God, since he had resol- 
Ted not to punish in a similar manner his offending crea- 
tures, separated a family from the rest of mankind, for 
the purpose of communicating, through them, the true rft^ 
ligion to all succeeding generations. 

The train of operations which, during this period, was 
laid by Jehovah, have bad a most material influence on 
the moral state of the world ever since. Doubtless, but 
for the separation of Abraham and his family froin the rest 
of mankind, the whole world would ever since have been 
overrun with idolatry. 

3. We may safely infer that the arts and sciences made 
some progress during this period, though we have no very 
defmite information on the subject. Probably some of 
these wonders of art, which yet exist in F.gypt, may have 
been commenced during this period. 

The art of writing seems as yet to have been un- 
known, although the Egyptians in particular had a cer- 
tain mode of transmitting and recording knowledge, term- 
ed hieroglyphics. These consisted of emblems and fig- 
ures, which represented those ideas that were intended to 
be conveyed. 

4. The Eastern nations bordering on sew, began, dur- 
ing this period, to send colonies into countries at a dis- 
tance Thus Greece was colonized, and afterwards other 
countries in Europe and in Africa. Besides Argos, found- 



ATHENS, 1556, TO s's TEMPLE, 1004 B. C. 23 

ed by Inachus, the king^dom of Sycion, near Corinth, was 
founded some time before. 

5. The trafficof nations between one another has been an 
employment which has progressively advanced from the 
earliest ages. During- the time of Abraham, it had advanc- 
ed so tar, as that metals had become a medium of exchange. 

We find a place of sepulture paid for by a certain weight 
of silver. A general superabundance of the necessaries 
of life must be produced, before nations determine a cer- 
tain quantity of gold or silver substances to bean equiva- 
lent for the exchangeable valueof any commodity in barter. 

PERIOD ZV. 

THE PERIOD OF THE TROJAN WAR, 

EXTENDS FROM THE rOUNDING OF 

ATHENS, 




556 years B. C. to the Dedication of ibolovion'^s 
Temple, 1004 years B. C. This is a period 
of 552 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD IV. 

We may enumerate six principal events un- 
der this period. 

First, the Founding of Athens : 

Second, the Retreat of the Israelites from 
Egypt: 

Third, the Introduction of Letters into 
Greece by Cadmus : 

Fourth, the Argonautic Expedition : 

Fifth, the Taking of Troy by the Greeks : 



24 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 

Sixth, the Estabhsment of Monarchy among 
the IsraeUtes. 

The facts recorded in profane history begin to be more 
interesting' and authentic ; though there is yet much fa- 
ble. Scripture carries on its agreeable and well attested 
record. 

1. The Founding of Athens^ by Cecrops, an 
Egyptian, who carried thither a colony from 
the Nile, is dated 1 556 years B. C This event 
had an important connection with the subse- 
quent refinement and literary distinction of 
Greece. 

Cecrops, after fixing- do\rn in Atfica, attempted to civ- 
ilize the wild and barbarous natives of that region. Con- 
structing twelve small Tillages, which afterwards united 
to the city of Athens, he prevailed upon the wandering^ 
tribes to fix their residence in them. 

He enacted laws, and introduced the deities and reli- 
gious worship of the Egyptians, which proved the first 
step towards that elegance which afterwards rendered 
Athens the most distinguished city on earth. 

It may be here observed, that the Chronicle of Paroi, 
preserved among the Arundelian marbles at Oxford, fixes 
the dates of the most remarkable events in the history of 
Greece, from the time of Cecrops to the age of Alexan- 
der the Great. 

2. Hie Retreat of the Israelites from Egypt ^ 
was accomplished in a miraculous manner, un-, 
der Moses their leader. This event took place 
about 1491 years B. C. and was connected with 
the destruction of vast multitudes of the Egyp-^ 
tians. 

Moses was the most distinguished character of ancient 
times. Having by the Providence of God been prcserr- 
ed from drowning, through his exposure in infancy, being 
discovered by an Egyptian princess, was by this means 
brought up in the family of Pharaoh. 

Selected by God as the instrument of saving Hie Israel- 



ATHENS, 1556, TO s's TEMPLE, 1004 B. C. 25 

ites, he was in due time called to his work ; and after a 
series of wonderful interposiiions on the part of the Su- 
preme Being, he led the people out from before Pharaoh, 
into the borders of the promised land. This event was 
connected with the most disastrous consequences to the 
Egyptians, their whole army who pursued the Israelites 
being drowned in the Red Sea. 

During the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilder- 
ness, they received the divine law; and also their national 
institutions, by the hand of Moses, under the direction of 
Jehovah himself, by which they became distinguished 
from all other nations on earth. Having conducted them 
through many difficulties and dangers in sight of Canaan, 
he died without entering it himself, 1447 B. C. 

His successor, Joshua, had the honour of conducting 
them into the promised land, having, by divine command, 
destroyed, for the most part, the profligate nations that in- 
habited it. Here he secured fop them a permanent habi- 
tation. 

3. The Introduction of Letters into Greece by 
Cadmus^ about 1519 years B. C. was a circum- 
stance which contributed most materially to the 
rapid advances made by the Greeks in civiliza- 
tion and knowledge. 

It is generally agreed that Cadmus was a Phoenician. 
The alphabet which he introduced into Greece, consisted 
of sixteen letters, and the mode of writing was alternately 
from left to right, and from right to left. 

He is also said to have taught the people navigation and 
commerce, the manner of cultivating wine, and the art of 
forging and working metals. 

Cadmus founded the kingdom of Thebes, in which the 
monarchical form of government was more despotic than 
in any other of the Grecian states. 

4. 77^6 Argonautic Expedition was the first 
great foreign enterprize of the Greeks, led by Ja- 
son, 1263 years B. C. It belongs to their my- 
thology, though it was doubtless a real event. 
Its destination was to Colchis. 

3 



26 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 

This is supposed to have been an adventure both for mil- 
itary and mercantile purposes. Under the allusion of 
a " golden fleece," the object was to open the commerce 
of the Euxine Sea, and to secure soma establishments on 
its coast. 

The plan of the voyage was marked out by the astrono- 
mer Chiron, who formed also, for the use of the seamen, 
a scheme of the constellations, accurately fixing the sol- 
stitial and equinoctial points. 

This circumstance has enabled Sir Isaac Newton to re- 
form the ancient chronology, by calculating the regular 
procession of the equinoxes from that period down. 

5. The Taking of Troy by the Greeks^ after a 
siege often years, occurred 1184 B. C. and was 
accomplished either by storm or surprize. This 
event has been greatly celebrated in ancient po- 
etry. 

The detail of the Trojan War rests chiefly on the autho- 
rity of Homer, and as to its principal facts, is certainly de- 
serving of credit. After Troy was entered by the Greeks, 
it was set on fire in the night, and was burnt to the ground. 
Not a trace of its ruins exists at the present lime. 

The state of the military art in Greece may be estima- 
ted from such an account as Homer has given us of the 
siege of Troy. The arts of attack and defence were very 
rude and imperfect. The siege was wholly of the nature 
of a blockade, and therefore necessarily protracted. 

6. The Establishment of Monarchy among the 
Iraelites, took place 1079 B.C. The people 
became dissatisfied with Theocracy, or the im- 
mediate govenmient of God, and he, according 
to their request, gave them a king. 

After the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites, with some y. 
intermission, were directed by leaders called Judges, dur- ■ 
ingthe space of 356 years. They acknowledged no other 
king but God, though they paid respect to the Judges, as , 
the delegates of his power, and to the Priests, as the su- 
perintendatitB of his worship. 

Some of these Judges were very eminent men, particu- 
larly Gideon, Samson, and Samuel, who was the last of 
them. As the people (though very unwisely) wished to" 






ATHENS, 1556, TO s's TEMPLE, 1004 B.C. 27 

be like the nations around them, a king was granted them, 
through the minislratioa of Samuel. 

Saul was the first king. His reign, prosperous at first, 
was at length marked by crime and ill success. David 
succeeded, who was one of the most pious, warlike, and 
prosperou!« monarchs that ever sat on the Israelitish 
throne. He greatly enlarged the bounds of Palestine by 
conquest, and built up the religious institutions of his 
country. His son Solomon, so celebrated for wealth and 
wisdom, succeeded him. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD IV. 

1. Moses, the first Hebrew lawgiver and 
leader. 

2. Joshua, a conqueror of Canaan, and pious 
military chieftain. 

3. Orpheus, the father of poetry. 

4. Samson, a Judge of Israel, and endowed 
with extraordinary strength. 

5. David, king of Israel, a warrior and poet. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD IV. 

1. During this period, the business of colonization con- 
tinued to be carried on with great success. From such 
small beginnings communities arose, which soon became 
renowned in arts and arms. 

Besides Atliens and Thebes, which have been mention- 
ed, Troy was founded by Scamander, Salamis was h»nlt 
by Teucer, and other important settlements were made, 
principally in Europe. Several were made also by the 
Greeks on the opposite coast of Asia Minor, viz. Ephesus, 
Smyrna, &c. 

2. With the increase of nations, those arts and sciences 
that were theh known, continued to spread. Letters hav- 
ing been introduced into Greece, a foundation was laid 
for that astonishing improvement which was afterwards 
made by this ingenious people. 

Literature was soon cultivated by them, and poetry 
sprang up as early as the times of Orpheus, Lir j- .nd 
Musceus. We have no works, however, handed rion n to 
u» from this people, prior to the days of Homer andHesiod, 
who belong to the next succeeding period. 



28 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 

The Phoenicians had their early historians, but Sancho- 
niathoD is the only name known to us. Moses, without 
any doubt, is the most ancient writer, whose works are 
now extant; and we have a succession of Hebrew writers 
from him down to the Captivity. 

3. When all other nations of the earth were blinded by 
superstition, and devoted to the worship of false Gods, the 
lig-ht of the true religion shone on the community of the 
Israelites. By a very peculiar code of laws, they were 
wholly separated in their habits, and civil and religious in- 
stitutions from the nations that surrounded them. 

It was mostly during this period that the Mythology of 
the heathens, or their system of religious worship, sprang 
up, or was greatly matured and improved. Their Gods 
and Goddesses were merely deified men and women, who 
became illustrious by their exploits, or as in most instan- 
ces was the fact, became notorious for their vices. The 
superstition common to rude nations gave rise to their fa- 
mous oracles. 

4. The magnificent cities, and works of art which were 
reared, or embellished during this period, are most of them 
scarcely visible in ruins. It is difficult now to ascertain 
even the site of Nmeveh, Babylon or Troy. The Egyp- 
tian Memphis and Arsinoe are obliterated from the face of 
the earth. Even the mighty Thebes, and the classical 
Athens, lie prostrate in ruins. 

The pyramids of Egypt are the most entire monuments 
of ancient art which remain to the present time. Diodn- 
rius, the historian, who lived before the birth of Christ, 
supposes the largest of these pyramids to have been built 
1000 years before his day. 

5 During this period the most celebrated of the solemn 
games among the Greeks were instituted. They were 
four in number, viz. the Olympic, the Pythian, the Ne- 
mean, and the Isthmean. They consisted chiefly in con- 
tests of skill in all athletic exercises; and the prizes were 
chiefly honorary marks of distinction. These games pro- 
duced great political eflect. 

The Isthmean games were instituted 1322 years B. C. 
at Corinth. The Olympic games were instituted 1222 
years B. C. by Hercules. They were not however regu- 
larly celebrated till revived a third time by Corcelius, B 
C. 775. From this period they constitute an epoch, the 



ATHENS, 1556, TO s's TEMPLE, 1004 B. C. 29 

first certain one in profane history, to which all important 
events are referred. 

6. The civihzed nations of the Ea8t,which were in gene- 
ral probably about their height during this period, had 
amassed very considerable riches, as is apparent from the 
splendid cities they had built. Commerce, so far as it 
was pursued, was doubtless the great means of diffusing 
wealth. 

The riches amassed by David, and afterwards by Solo- 
mon, towards the close of this period, seem to have been 
immense. They centered very considerably in the famous 
city of Jerusalem. In the case of the Israelites, they 
were acquired by conquest and commerce both. 

Commerce and naval architecture were not however, 
in these times, confined to the shores of Phoenicia and 
Palestine in the East, or of Egypt and the Indian Ocean 
in the South. In the short period intervening between 
the Argonautic and Trojan expeditions, the Greeks must 
have made very considerable improvements, at least in 
nautical science. 

The Argonautic fleet must have consisted of vessels no 
better than our modern fishing boats. But the fleet sent 
out in the expedition to Troy, consisted of 1000 or 1200 
ships, the largest of which carried 120 men each; the 
smallest, 50. 

These ships, however, must have been veryrudely con- 
structed—they were only half decked — built without iron 
in any part, and even without the use of the saw, which 
was then not invented. 



3* 



30 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD V. 

PEHZOD V. 

THE PERIOD OF HOMER, 

EXTENDS TROM THE DEDICATION OF 

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, 




1004 years B. C. to the Founding of Rome ^ 752 
years B. C. It includes the space of ^52 
years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD V. 

We may notice six principal events within 
this period. 

First, the Dedication of Solomon's Temple : 

Second, the Introduction of Homer's Poems 
into Greece. 

Third, the Founding of the kingdom of Ma- 
cedon by Caranus. 

Fourth, the Reformation of the Republic of 
Lacedemon by Lycurgus. 

Fifth, the Building of Carthage by Dido. 

Sixth, the Preaching of Jonah to the Ninevites. 

Towards the latter part of this period, portions of pro- 
fane history begin to be certain; and sacred history, al- 
ways certain, is still more minute and particular. 

1. The Dedication of Solomon'' s Temple at Je- 
rusalem, took place 1004 years before the birth 



Solomon's temple, 1004, to rome, 752 b.c. 31 

of Christ. It was performed by King Solomon 
in presence of all the assembled tribes of Israel, 
with the most solemn rehgious rites and cere- 
monies. 

Tbis mag-nificent structure was completed id about se- 
ven years. The plan had been devised by David, and ma- 
terials, money and artificers provided for its execution. An 
incalculable amount of gold was employed in constructing 
it. It was probably the most superb and costly edifice of 
which antiquity can boast. 

There have been many building's much larger than this 
temple, but none perhaps in which the workmanship was 
more exquisite, or the materials more valuable. The 
body of the building was only a little ruore than 90 feet in 
length, 30 in breadth, and 45 in beig-ht. There were, how- 
ever, a splendid porch, and numerous ornaments both 
within and without. 

The reign of Solomon was characterized by abundance, 
peace and prosperity , but towards the close of it he met 
with trouble. His subjects became disaffected toward* 
him, through the burdensome imposts laid upon them, to 
support his expenses, and he himself became luxurious 
and effeminate, and by idolatry brought dishonour on the 
cause of religion. 

His wisdom however is proverbial, and his piety, we 
hope, was sincere, and his repentance deep. For his fa- 
ther David's sake, the evil threatened to his kingdom did 
not occur in his day, but it occurred during the reign of 
his son Rehoboam, when ten tribes revolted from their 
monarch, and constituted a separate kingdom. 

2. The Introdiictiom^of Homer's Poems from 
Asia into Greece^ contributed very considerably 
to the hterary taste, distinction and spirit of the 
Greeks. They were brought into Greece about 
886 B. C. 

Homer was among" the first, and probably the most emi- 
nent of all the writers of heathen antiquity. The literary 
world down to this day have bowed to his authority, and 
owned the force of his genius. His poems have been ta- 
ken as the model of all similar poems written since bis day. 



32 CHRONOLOGY lERlOD V. ■ 

They had a powerful effect on the minds of the aspiring 
Greeks ; and thoug^h several ages elapsed before Greece 
shone out in literature and the arts, the productions of 
this bard had made the preparation, and laid the founda- 
tion of the splendid era which afterwards followed. 

Lycurgus, who had travelled into Crete and Egypt, to 
observe the laws and institutions of those countries, at 
length visited Asia Minor, where he found the productions 
now spoken of. 

As Homer was a wandering minstrel, and is supposed to 
have produced his Iliad and Odyssey in detached pieces, 
and separate ballads, it was not until some time after- 
wards that they were brouglil into the form they now as- 
sume- This was done by certain learned men, under the 
direction of Pisistratus king of Athens. 

3. The Reformation of the Republic of Lace- 
demon hy Lycurgus^ commenced 884 years B. 
C. By means of the institutions of this legisla- 
tor, Lacedemon, from a ^^ eak and distracted 
state, arose to great distinction and power 
among the Grecian republics. 

Lacedemon, or Sparta, was situated in Peloponnesus, 
the southern part of Greece, and upon the division of that 
country among the lleraclidas. fell to the share of Aruto- 
demus. On his death Sparta was governed jointly by his 
two sons, and this double monarchy, transmitted to the de- 
scendants of each, continued in the separate branches for 
near 900 years. 

The state, by this means, was weakened by civil com- 
motions, and the people, feeling the want of constitutional 
laws, chose Lycurgus to be their legislator. His ar- 
rangements were in many respects peculiar, and cannot 
here be well detailed. 

It may he stated, however, generally, that he made an 
equal division of land among the people, abolished the use 
of gold and silver, substituting iron as a medium of ex- 
change, instituted a similarity of dress, and ordained that 
all should take their meals in public. 

Children he took from their parents at the age of seven 
years, and placed ihem in public schools, where they ex- 
perienced a rigid discipline, which fitted them to act well 



Solomon's temple, 1004, to rome, 752 b. c. 33 

their part as citizens and men. The laws of Lycurgus 
continued in force 500 years, during- which time Sparta 
conquered many of the neighbouring states, and became 
the most powerful republic in Greece. 

' 4. The Founding of the Kingdom of Macedon 
by Carmius, we date 795 years B. C. Obscure 
at first, it became a powerful monarchy, and at 
length overthrew the liberties of Greece. 

The most that we know of Caranus is, that he was an 
Argive by birth, and a descendant of Hercules. He es- 
tablished the regal government in Macedonia, which in 
spite of the dangers that proved fatal to it in most of the 
Grecian states, subsisted for the space of 647 years, in this 
kingdom. 

The reign of the warlike Philip first brought Macedon 
into notice, and in the battle of Cheronsea he subjected all 
the Grecian communities to his dominion. Of his still 
more warlike son Alexander the Great, we shall have 
hereafter an ©ccasion to speak. 

5. The Building of Carthage by Dido, took 
place, according to one account, 869 years B. 
C. or, according to another, not until a hundred 
years later. Its early history is but little known. 
Its subsequent history is closely interwoven with 
that of Rome. 

Dido was a Tyrian princess, who, being persecuted by 
the tyranny of her brother Pygmalion, left her country, 
with a train of followers, and settled in Africa, at one or 
other of the periods above mentioned. She fixed her ha- 
bitation at the bottom of a gulph on a peninsula, near the 
spot where Tunis now stands. 

It is probable she might have found a few inhabitants in 
the place, whom its local advantages had induced to settle 
there; but to her and her attendants, Carthage is doubt- 
less indebted for a regular foundation. 

The colony had the same language, and nearly the same 
laws, and the same national character with the parent 
state. The city became at length, particularly at the 
period of the Piiuic wars, one of the most splendid in the 



34 CHRONOLOGY- -PERIOD V. 

world. It had under its dominion 300 small cities border- 
ing- on the (Mediterranean sea. 

Possessing^ a population of 700,000 inhabitants, and 
with an immense number of temples and public buildings, 
not a wreck of all its grandeur now remains. It lies buri- 
ed under the ruins of its own w*alls. The casual appear- , 
ance of drains and reservoirs are the only objects which j 
can now lead to the discovery of its origmal position.- ' 

6. The Preaching of Jonah to the Ninevites, 
an event of very considerable interest, as related 
in the Bible, is dated 806 years B. C. The ob- 
ject of the preaching was to denounce the di- 
vine judgments against this people, on account 
of their wickedness. 

Jonah, a prophet of Jehovah, was commanded to make 
known the divine displeasure agrainst the inliabitantB of 
IVinereh, and to declare their doom, since their iniquities 
had nearly ripened them for destruction. Being however 
sinfully averse to the performance of this unpleasant task, 
he attempted to flee in a ship to Tarshish. 

Here he was overtaken by the just judgment of God, 
in being thrown overboard by the seamen, into the midst 
of the sea, where he must have immediately perished, had 
not God interposed in a miraculous manner, to save his 
life. This was effected iu consequence of being swallow- 
ed by a very large fish, in the stomach of which he was 
preserved, during three days and nights, when God caus- 
ed the fish to cast him out on dry land. 

Taught by such an admonition, he, upon a second ap- 
plication from the Lord, repaired to the scene of his duty, 
ao'i declared the divine will as he was directed. The 
Ninevites, alarmed by the ihreatened prediction, humbled 
themselves before Jehovah, in consequence of which a 
temporary respite was granted them. 

We learn however from history, that the Assyrian em- 
pire, of which Nineveh was the capital, ended soon after- 
wards under Sardannpulus. and that three monarchies 
rose from its ruins, viz. Nineveh, Babylon, and the king- 
dom of the Medes. 



Solomon's temple, 1004, to rome, 752 b. c. 35 

distinguished characters in period v. 

1 . Solomon, endowed with extraordinary wis- 
dom. 

2. Homer, the greatest of the Grecian poets. 

3. Sesostris, an Egyptian, a conqueror of Asia. 

4. Lycurgusj reformer of the Spartan repub- 
Uc, and wise legislator. 

5. Isaiah, the greatest of the prophetical wri- 
ters. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD V. 

1. During this period the nations whose civilization had 
previously commenced continued to advance. Syria and 
Greece began to rise into notice, and in the latter espe- 
cially, some very wise institutions were established. Sy- 
ria, though it rapidly advanced in power, was a kingdom 
of very short duration. 

Sonrie of the more ancient nations were on the wane. 
The Israelitibh monarchy, which was at its height under 
David and Solomon, began to decline after the death of 
the latter. The old Assyrian empire tottered to its fall. 
As we have already learnt, the foundations of a few mighty 
sovereigniies were laid during this period, particularly 
those of Macedon and Carthage. 

2. The state of the arts during this period, may be judg- 
ed of from the works by which it was distinguished. Ar- 
tists in those times had very imperfect ideas of the ele- 
gant and beautiful. They were fond of that which was 
shewy and ostentatious, unless the temple at Jerusalem 
be an exception. 

Ot this the Egyptian pyramids, some of which were pro- 
bably built during this period, are a proof, as also many of 
the stupendous works witli which Babylon was adorned. 
The correct and tasteful in architecture were little 
known. 

By the time now under review, several nations had made 
considerable proficiency ia the arts of statuary, sculpture 
and embroidery. The statues of Babylon in particular 
were quite numerous. The Piioeniciaus were skilled in 
the manufacture uf precious stuffs, and in a great degree, 
in the art of dyeing in particular. 



36 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD V. I 

3. The le. ning and literature of these times were not '■] 
great, except in a very few individuals); as, for instance, 
Solomon, Homer, and Hesiod. As to* poetry, it was very 
ancient in Greece ; but though Orpheus, Musaeus and Li- 
nus preceded Homer, he was the only master of poetry, 
and the poet of all ages and nations. 

The philosophy of those times was a species of wild my- 
thology ; sometimes religious, sometimes moral, and some- 
times political : such as is to be found in the Orphics, aad 
in Homer a'nd Hesiod. 

3 Commerce flourished in a degree which, for this ear- 
ly period of the world, must appear somewhat surprizing. 
The fleets of Israel, under the direction of Tyrian mari- 
ners, traded to the land of Ophir, which some suppose to 
be a district in Ethiopia, and others suppose to be some 
part of India. Their course was probably by the Red Sea. 

Doubtless during this period considerable improvement 
was made in the construction of their vessels, as other- 
wise so long voyages could not have been prosecuted with 
any degree of safely or convenience. 

5. The monarchical form of government generally pre- 
vailed except among the Greeks, some of whom exhibited 
the earliest, though very imperfect, modes of a republican 
government and free institutions. 

Monarchs were mostly absolute and despotic — masters 
of the lives and properties of their subjects, and from the 
•amples which we have among the Assyrian and Babylo- 
nian piinces, and the kings of Israel, we may conclude 
that they were almost or wholly a very worthless and des- 
picable race. 

6. As during the preceding period, so in this, the light 
of the true religion shone only among the chosen people 
of God, unless it may have been, that a few individuals in 
the surrounding nations obtained some partial and tran- 
sient glimpses of the truth. It is with considerable rea- 1 
son supposed, that several of the ancient sages, at different M 
times, acquired some portion of the information contained 1 
in the Scriptures. | 

But, though the true religion was known only to the ' 
Hebrews as a community, it began to disappear among 
them. After the revolt of the ten tribes, for political as 
well as religious reasons, a new temple and a new priest- i 
hood were instituted, in consequence of which very es- j 



ROME 752, TO WAR BETWEEN g's Sl p's. 490 37 

sential deviations from the orig^inal iDstitution of Moses ob- 
tained, and their religion became a mixture of Judaism 
and pagan idolatry. 

An awful series of vice, wars, massacres, servitude, 
famine and pestilence, followed this separation. Some, 
however, of the kings of Judah, were pious men, which was 
not the fact with the kings of ttie ten tribes, and the reve- 
lation of Jehovah was preserved only among the Jews in 
its purity, by means principally of the temple and worship 
which existed in Jerusalem. 



PZSRXOB VZ. 

THE PERIOD OF ROMAN KINGS, 

EXTENDS FROM THK FOUNDING OF 

ROUE, 




752 i/ears B. C. .to the War between the Greeks 
and Persians, A^Q years B. C. The length 
of this period is 262 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD VI. 

Six principal events are to be assigned to this 
period : 

First, the Foundation of Rome by Romulus : 

Second, the Carrying of the ten tribes of Israel 
into captivity : 

Third, the Taking of Jerusalem by Nebu- 
chadnezzar : 

Fourth, the Conquest of Babylon by Cyrus 
the Great: 4 



38 CHRONOLOGY. ...PERIOD VI. 

Fifth, the Return of the Jews from their cap- 
tivity : 

Sixth, the Abohtion of the regal government 
at Rome. 

Piofane history now rises in authenticity and accuracy, 
and the history of difterenl nations is couseqiienily more 
interesting, and to be depended on. The fabulous times 
end soon after the beginning of this period. 

1 . The Foundation of Rome bij Romulus^ 752 
years before the Christian era, w^as connected 
with the rise andestabUshmentof the most pow- 
erful empire which has ever existed. The city 
was peopled by runaway slaves and criminals, 
and at first had neither laws, nor rulers, and but 
few women. 

Romulus was the son of Rhea Sylvia, a vestal, and was, 
together with his twm-hrollier liemus, preserved in in- 
fancy in a remarkable manner. Being, by the death of 
his brother, at the age of eighteen years, left sole com- 
mander of a band of robbers, he began the foundation of 
what has since been called *•* the eternal city." 

It took the name of its founder, and was built upon the 
Palatine hill. The city was almost square, and about a 
mile in circumference, containing iOOO houses, more 
properly huts. Even the palace of Romulus was built of 
reeds, and thatched with straw. 

Having become king, he introduced order and disci- 
pline, which gradually improved under Numa, and seve- 
ral succeeding sovereigns. The circumstances in which 
this pe pie were placed, naturally gave rise to continual 
animosities, which were commonly settled by battles, in 
which they were almost always victorious. 

Romulus divided {.he people into three tribes, and each 
tribe into ten companies, each of which consisted of 100 
men, headed by a centurion. He divided the land into 
three parts; one for the support of government, another 
for the maintenance of religion, and a third into portions 
of two ncres to eve?y citizen. ^ 

2. The Carrying of the ten tribes of Israel into | 
captivity ^ by Shalmanazer, put an end to the Is- ^^ 



ROME 752, TO WAR BETWEEN g's & P's. 490. 39 

raelitish kingdom. It occurred 721 years B. C. 
and was the consequence, under Providence, of 
their awful sinfulness. 

The ten tribes had existed as a separate kingdom from 
the time of Jeroboam, under a succession of irreligious 
princes. The city of Samaria was their capital. 

Under their last king Rosea, Samaria was besieged by 
Shalmanazer, and, after three years, taken and plunder- 
ed. The Assyrian king destroyed the kmgdom, by lead- 
ing the greater part of the inhabitants into captivity, who 
were dispersed throughout Assyria, and never more re- 
turned. 

Some few, who remained in Canaan, were intermixed 
with strangers, and from that mixture sprung the motley 
race, which were afterwards known under the name of 
Samaritans. The prophets describe the sufferings of the 
Israelites as exceedingly great, and brought upon them by 
their departure from the institutions of Moses, and by 
their general and monstrous wickedness. 

3. The Taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnez- 
zar, followed the destruction of Samaria, after 
the lapse of httle more than a century, viz. 606 B. 
C. The city and its temple were razed to their 
foundations. 

After the extinction of the Israelitish nation, already 
mentioned, the kingdom of Judah enjoyed but a precari- 
ous existence. It was invaded at different times by the 
Babylonians, rendered tributary, and finally subdued. 

Jerusalem was taken after a twelve month's siege. — 
Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and his family, were taken 
prisoners ; the latter were put to death ; but the misera- 
ble father, dfter being obliged to witness the scene, had 
his eyes put out, and was carried captive to Babylon in 
chains. 

The captain of Nebuchadnezzar, agreeably to orders, 
levelled Jerusalem, the temple, and the royal palace to 
the ground, and laid waste the country far and near. All 
the principal persons and the most skilful artists of every 
jkind, were removed to Babylon 

4. The Conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the 



40 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VI. 

Greats terminated the Babylonian empire. The 
city was entered by stratagem. Belshazzer be- 
ing shut np in his capital, was killed, and Baby- 
lonia was made a province of Persia. This 
event happened 538 years B. C 

Cyrus IS celebrated both in profane and sacred history. J 
In the providence of God he was appointed as the restor- • 
er of the Jews from their captivity, whom he treated with 
great kindness. 

He mounted the throne of Persia, wliich was an incon- 
siderable power before his time, succeeding- his father 
Cambyses in that soverei{^nty, and his uncle Cyaraxes in 
the Puvereig-nty of the Medes. These empires he united. 
B^siiies the Babylonians, he vanquished the Lydians, sub- 
jected the greatest part of Lesser Asia, and made himself 
master of Assyria and Arabia. 

Cyrus spent the last part of his life in consolidating his 
vast conquests, bemg greatly beloved not only bj own 
natural subjects, but by those of the conquered nations. 

5. The Return of the Jews from the Captivity, 
was accomplished by means of Cyrus, who pub- 
lished an edict permitting their return. This 
event, which occurred during the first year of 
the sole reign of Cyrus, is dated 536 years B. C. 

The Jews were held m captivity to the Babylonians 
just seventy years. Many of them seem to have been 
made truly humble and pious, by means of their calamity, 
and they adhered resolutely to the worship of their fa- 
thers. 

Cyrus restored to them all the vessels of the temple, 
ivhich Nebuchadnezzar had brought with him from Jeru- 
salem. He permitted them to rebuild the temple, and 
even furnished them with means. This work they ac- 
complished in four years. 

The history of the Jews is continued in the Old Testa- 
ment about 100 years after their return, during which 
period they were greatly favoured by the successors of ^ 
Cyrus, especially from the time of Dar ius, and under Ar- 
taxerxes, the Ahasuerus of the scriptures. The scripture 
narrative ends at the above named period. 



ROME, 752, TO WAR BETWEEN g's & P's. 490. 41 

6. The Abolition of the regal government^ at 
Rome, was occasioned by the tyranny of Tar- 
quin, surnamed the proud, its seventh King. 
This event happened 509 years B. C. Brutus 
and Collatinus were the chief agents in bring- 
ing it about. 

Tarqum ingratiated himself with the lower orders, to 
weaken, by their means/ the power of the higher : but 
being extremely insolent and cruel, be at length disgust- 
ed all classes of his subjects. 

A rape committed by his son Sextus on Lucretia, the 
wife of Collatinus, who had, in a paroxysm of grief, kil- 
led herself, roused the vengeance of her husband and 
friends, particularly the stern and inflexible Brutus; the 
consequence of which was his expulsion with ignominy 
from Rome, and with him the utter abolition of a monar- 
chical government among the Romans. After this event, 
annual consuls were chosen. 

It is not to be concealed, however, that there are cir- 
cumstances which throw a degree of suspicion on this 
portion of the Roman history. It is to be noted that but 
seven kings reigned during this period, which was 244 
years, and that some of these died violent deaths. 

Moreover, it is allowed that there were no historians for 
the first five ceaturies posterior to the building of Rome : 
and Livy testifies, that almost all the ancient records were 
destroyed, when the Gauls took the city in 385 B. C. 
DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS' IN PERIOD IV. 

1 . Romulus, founder and first king of Rome. 

2. Sappho, a Greek poetess, inventor of the 
Sapphic verse. 

3. Solon, Legislator of Athens, and one of the 
wisest men of Greece. 

4. Thales, founder of the Ionic philosopy. 

5. Cyrus, a wise and successful prince, who 
conquered most of the East. 

6. Anacreon, a Greek poet, and father of An- 
acreontic verse. 

4* 



42 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VI. | 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VI. 
I. The fate of the Hebrew nation, one portion ofwhicis 
had ceased to exist, and the other had ceased to exist iii'' 
dependenlly, during this period, forms an impressive com* 
ment on the dealings of God with communities. It mani* 
fests his regard of the principles of eternal justice, and iij 
the case of the Hebrews in particular, confirms the pro^ 
phetical declarations of scripture. 

True religion must have been but little known in the 
world, since among God's chosen people so many enormia 
ties existed. A small portion of the Jews kept the hal^J 
lorzed flame alive, and the divine designs m regard lo the 
great wo.k of Redemption, afterwards to be accomplish^ 
ed, seemed to be wonderfully fulfilled, in the kind treat-1 
ment which the Jews received from the sovereigns of 
Persia. 

The common virtues of humanit}', however, the virtue* 
of heroic ages, distinguished the nations that were now 
rising to itnportance, particularly the Greeks and the Ro- 
mans, the latter of whom had just begun to make a figure 
in Italy. False systems of religion had received an ac- 
cession of strength during this period, particularly the 
Magianism of the East, in the writings of Zoroaster. 

2. During this period, civilization made very consider- 
able progress, particularly in Greece, under the institu- 
tions of Lycurgus and Solon, and were ripening for that 
perfection which they attained in the next succeeding pe- 
riod. 

The Romans at this era, though a sensible and energetic, 
were but a half civilized people. Their language was in 
that nnperfect state which characterizes the language of 
every infant nation. The very few fragments of senten- 
ces which have come down to us, such as these that are 
found in the " Fratres Arvalcs,'*'' and " Leges liegica:,^ 
shew a vast difference of the language then in use, andl 
that which was employed during the Augustan age. 

Greece was beginning to be adorned by several emi- 
nent poets and philosophers, while some o! the more an- 
cient nations in the East were sinking, or had already^ 
sunk in decay. The Gnomists, or seven sages of Greece, 
flourished during this period. 
3. The human mind, it is said, is nerer statipnary : if il 



ROME, 752, TO WAR BETWEEN g's & p's. 490. 43 



does not go forward, it retrogrades. It evidently made a 
considerable advance during the present period, and 
mankind, bj' discoveries made in science and philoso- 
phy, increased their stock of conveniences and comforts. 

We cannot teil exactly the progress made at this time 
in commerce, navigation, and the other branches of hu- 
man industry, as the records of these things are incom- 
parably more scanty, than of the wars and civil convul- 
sions which took place. Those improvements in the means 
of living, and the enjoyments of life, which are so much 
thought of in these times, seem to have been affairs of mi- 
nor importance aniong the ancients. 

The inventions of later and quite modern times have 
multiplied, beyond account, the conveniences and com- 
forts of life; yet the spirit of invention and discovery, in 
the early period under review, was awaked in several 
countries, particularly in Greece. Even Rome had built 
her magnificent Capitol. 

4. Most of the governments which existed during this 
period, as in former periods, were monarchical; yet that 
of Greece was a confederated republic, similar, but much 
inferior both in theoretic and practical excellence to that 
of these United States. 

Rome, before the conclusion of this period, is found ad- 
ded to the list of republics. Her government previously 
had been strictly monarchical. The times however were 
marked by violence, and a people whose origin was that of 
a lawless banditti, ill brooked the restraints of a monar- 
chy. 

5. The Assyrian empire ceased to exist, upon the ta- 
king and destruction of Nineveh, its capital, by Nebu- 
chadnezzer. But other nations, we have seen, were rising 
into existence and importance in the West. 

Several places of consequence were founded in this pe- 
riod, as Tarentum, in Italy, by the Parthenians; Chalce- 
don by the Meganans ; Byzantium by Pausanias, king of 
Sparta ; and Cyrene, m Africa, by Battus of Lacedemon. 



44 CHRONOLOGY- -PERIOD VII. 

PERIOD VZX. 

THE PERIOD OF GRECIAN GLORY 

EXTENDS FROM THE WAR BETWEEN THE 

GREEKS AND PERSIANS, 




A90ijears B.C. to the birth of Alexander, 35G 
B. C. The length of this period is 1 34 ijears. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD VII. 

Six principal events are included in lliis pe- 
riod. 

P'irst, the Battle of Marathon : 

Second, the Destruction of Leonidas and his 
band at Thermopylae : ^ 

Third, the Dictatorship of Cincinnatus at 
Rome : 

Fourth, the Retreat of 10,000 Greeks undo 
Xenophon : 

Fifth, the Taking of Rome by the Gauls : 

Sixth, the War between Thebes and Sparta. 

The sources of information in resrard to events of this 
date, are most of them too authentic to be doubted. Some 
of the most eminent of the Greek historians then floui - 
ished, viz. Herodotus, Tbucydides aad Xenophon. 



WAR OF g's &L p's 490, TO ALEXANDER, 356. 45 

1 . The Battle of Marathon was fought be- 
tween the Greeks and Persians, in w hich the 
latter were defeated with great slaughter. The 
Greeks were led on by Miltiades, and the Per- 
sians fought under Darius their king. This 
event occurred 490 years B. C. 

This war originated in the ambition of Darius, and his 
passion for revenge. Afler losing a large number of ships, 
he effected a landing of his troops in Eubaea, and poured 
down impetuously on Attica. Miltiades met them on the 
plain of Marathon, and slaughtered 6300 of the enemy, 
while his own loss was only 190 men. 

For his heroic conduct Miltiades received from the 
Athenians, his countrymen, the basest ingratitude. He 

tied of his wounds in prison, whither he had been thrust 
pon the imputation of treason, in an unsuccessful attack 
sodn afterwards upon the isle of Paros. 

An incident in this war, mentioned by Justin the histo- 
rian, maybe related. Cyneg-yrus, the brother of the po- 
et iEschylus, having performed prodigies of valour, pur- 
sued the Persians to the shore, and laid hold of a ship 
which was ready to sail, with his right hand. 

Some of the enemy seeing this, cut it off, on which he 
seized it with his left ; and being deprived of that also, he 
fastened his teeth in it, and thus expired. 

2. The Destruction of Leonidas and his hand 
at Thermopylce^ was an eminent instance of de- 
voted patriotism. It took place in an engage- 
ment which they had with the Persians at that 
celebrated pass. Leonidas and his 300 men re- 
sisted the whole Persian army, till they were 
Dverpowered and crushed by numbers. The 
date of this event is 480 years B. C. 

Xerxes, the son of Darius, in prosecution of his father's 
ilans, had invaded Greece. It is estimated that his army 
consisted of 2,000,(X)0 of fighting men, besides vast num- 
)ers of women and domestics — the largest army and assem- 
)lage of persons of which history gives an account. 



46 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIl. 

To transport so vast a body of people, he employed 
1200 ships of war, and 3000 ships of burden. Landing ia 
Thessaly, he proceeded by rapid marches to Thermopylae, 
a narrow defile on the bay anciently called Maliacus. 

Leonidas, king of Sparto, was chosen to oppose this 
immense force with only 6000 men. During two days the 
Persians strove in vain to force their w;iy, and were re- 
peatly repulsed with great slaughter. Opposition howev- 
everwas fruitless, on account of the immense disparity of 
numbers. 

Foreseeing certain ruin, the Spartan king commanded 
all to retire but three liundred of his countrymen. His 
motive was to shew the Persians what sort of people they 
had to encounter, and to acquire immortal fame. He and 
his brave men were all destroyed. 

3. The Dictatorship of Cindnnatus at Rome. 
is dated 456 years B. C. He hastened to resi^ 
it at the expiration of fourteen days, having il^s- 
cued a Roman army from destruction, defeated 
a powerful enemy, and rendered other signal 
services to his country. 

After Rome had becomearepublic, the executive pow- 
er was held by two consuls annually chosen f.om among 
the Patricians at first, and afterwards from among the 
Plebeians also, or the lower order of the people, when 
the government became altogether democratical. Be- 
sides these, there were other officers entrusted with great 
power, as the tribunes chosen from among the Plebeians, 
and for a ievr years, the Decemviri. 

The office of a Dictator was a temporary despotism, re- 
jsorted to in times of imminent danger. The Dictator had 
absolute and unlimited authority, to provide for the pub- 
lic safety and defence, by enrolling all the citizens whO(, 
were capable of bearing arms, and by putting to deat" 
any that should refuse obedience. 

Cincinriatus, previously to being called to the dictator 
ship, had been Consul ; but retiring to his little farm \i 
the neighbourhood of Rome, he hoped to enjoy, during th^ 
remainder of life, domestic and rura' tranquillity. Tbi 
public danger, however, upon the invasion of the iEqi]| 



WAR OF g's & P'S 490, TO ALEXANDER, 356. 47 

and Voici, required a person of bis great talents to hold 
this high office 

He acquitted himself in it to the satisfaction of all par- 
ties, though the times were extremely turbulent. By ex- 
tricating the army of one of the Consuls, which was hem- 
med in by the eoemy, from its perilous situation, and by 
defeating the enemy, and taking their city, he probably 
saved Kome itself from destruction. 

4. The Retreat of 1 0,000 Greeks under Xeno- 
phon, through an enemy's country 1600 miles in 
extent, was an instance of astonishing skill and 
success. It happened 401 years B. C. and is 
admirably described by Xenophon himself. 

A younger brother of Artaxerxes Mnemon formed the 
project of dethroning him, and, with the aid of 13,000 
Greeks, engaged him in battle near Babylon, but was 
defeated and slain. 

The remainder of the Grecian army, amounting to 
10,000 men, were necessitated either to submit to the en- 
emy, or to make good their retreat from Babylon to the 
banks of the Euxine. They chose the latter; and not- 
withstaudmg incredible hardships and dangers, they suc- 
ceeded entirely. 

Their loss was not more than 1500 men, from sickness, 
lardships. casualties and battles, during the whole course. 
This retreat is reckoned the most celebrated in history, 
)nd, together with a beautiful account of it from Xeno- 
Dhon, has acquired for him and his countrymen signal 
lonour. 

But while the Greeks were so illustrious in war, the 
ustre of their character, particularly that of the Atheni- 
ans, was greatly tarnished by their treatment of Socrates, 
heir countryman, about this time. This most eminent 
)f heathen philosophers fell a victim to the resentment 
if the Athenians, on account of his teaching a purer and 
nore rational religious worship, than that which prevailed 
mong his countrymen. 

5. The Taking of Rome by the Gauls, was ef- 
fected under Brennus, their leader, 385 years 
3. C. Rome was devastated and burnt bv these 



48 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VII. 

barbarous invaders, who w^ere, how^ever, quick- 
ly expelled, and the city was rebuilt with won- 1 
derful rapidity. 

The Gauls, a branch of the great nation of the Celtae, ' 
had opened to themselves a passag-e through the Alps at 
four different periods, and were at this time established, 
in the country between those mountains, and the Appe- 
nines. .o 

Commanded by Brenuus, they laid siege to the Etrus- 
can Ciusium, the people of which, who were destitute of a 
warlike character, besought the aid of the Romans. Bren- 
nus attacking the latter, pushed his successes as far as 
the gates of Rome, entered the city, and overthrew and 
burnt the whole of it, except the capitol. 

While he was engaged in the siege of that strong^ cita- 
del, C^amillus, the Dictator, had assembled a large army, 
with which he entered Rome, and furiously attacking the 
barbarians, he put them to flight, and banished them lor 
ever from the city. 

6. The War betioeen Thebes and Sparta, com- 
menced about 371 years 6. C. The other Gre- 
cian states were associated with Sparta ; but 
Thebes, though alone, under Epimanondas, ; 
maintained its giound, and triumphed in seve- 
ral engagements. 

The glory which the Greeks acquired in the Persian 
war, rendered them vain and insolent, and, disagreeing 
among themselves, they engaged in the most destructive 
and unnatural hostilities. The Athenians began the 
spirit of domineering, but being subdued by the Spartans, 
the latter became insolent in their turn. 

Thebes at length engaged in a contest against Sparta, 
and indeed against all the associated states of Greece. 
Epimanondas, leading the Theban armies, defeated his 
enemy at the celebrated battle ofLeuctra, and eight years 
after, still further humbled iheir power at the battle of 
Mantinea, in which the Theban commander was slain. 

Though theThebans became independent and formida- 
ble among the Grecian states, solely from the wise coun- 
sels and vigorous measures of Epimanondas, the Spartans 



GLEECE, 496, TO 356 B. e. 49 

bad but little cause for exultation at his death. This 
event may be said to have paved the wa}' for the entire 
subjugation of Greece, to a foreign power. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD VII. 

1. Confucius^ the Great Chinese philoso- 
pher. 

2. Herodotus^ a Greek, the father of profane 
history. f 

3. Pindar^ the chief of the Grecian lyric poets. 

4. Socrates, the greatest of heathen moral- 
ists. 

5. Tliucj/dides, an eminent Greek historian. 

6. Hippocrates, the father of medicine. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VII. 

1. Greece at this time reached the zenith of her glory. 
Her philosophers, historians, poets and artists, are too nu- 
merous to be here mentioned. Indeed a succession ot them 
continued a hundred years later than this period. A taste 
for literature and the fine arts survived long after pub- 
lic spirit and heroic virtue had departed. 

With Greece this was emphatically the era of liberty, 
heroism and military enterprize. The names of Miltia- 
des, Aristides, Themistocles, Cimon, Pericles, Pelopidas, 
and Epimanondas, without being associated particularly 
with literary greatness, shed a lustre over the annals of 
Greece. 

In the useful and necessary arts, such as agriculture, 
manufactures and commerce, the Greeks were never 
jfreatly distinguished. But in those which are called the 
^ne arts^ they surpassed all other ancient nations. 

The administration of Pericles was the era of^plendour 
and luxury. The arts broke out at once with surprising 
lustre ; and architecture, sculpture, and painting, were 
carried to perfection. 

2. The Romans continued comparatively an unenlight- 
ened people, but pursued with energy and success their 
system of war and conquest. No authors as yet appeared 
among them; although their language doubtless became 

6 



50 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VII. 

improved by the extension of their intercourse with neigfU- 
bouring nations, particularly with Greece. 

We hear but little of the Asiatic nations during this pe- 
riod. They come principally into view, in their wars 
with the Greeks ; but from the time of Xerxes they ap- 
pear to have become, in a degree, enervated. 

The Assyrian and Babylonian empires had come to an 
end, and Egypt, in Africa, constituted a part of the Per- 
sian empire, from the time of Cambyses, 625 B. C until 
Alexander vanquished Darius. 

3. It is important to trace the events in Jewish history, 
from their intimate connection with the true religion in 
the world. In their dependent state under the sove- 
reigns of Persia, the Jews continued to enjoy a degree of 
prosperity. This was the case with them until the death 
of Alexander. 

Darius manifested liis favour towards them during his 
long reign. Xerxes, his son, confirmed their privileges. 
Under Artaxerxes they were still more favoured, through 
the influence of his queen, Esther, a Jewess. From this 
prince, Ezra obtained very liberal donations, to be appli- 
ed to the service of the temple, and full powers to govern 
the Jews agreeably to the divine constitution. 

A similar commission was granted to Nehemiah, who 
rebuilt the wallsof Jerusalem, and reformed many abuses 
both in religion and in the administration of government. 
After Ezra and Nehemiah, we find no more governors of 
Judea, which probably became subject to the governor of 
Syria. 

Under these favourable circumstances, the cause of re- 
ligion became prosperous for a period, and thus the 
light that was in the world was kept from being utterly 
extinguished. Greece, in the height of its glory, knew 
not the true God ; and (his is always the fact, where rev- 
elation does not enlighten the human mind. 

4. Navigation and commerce have made more or less 
progress from the earliest time. During the present peri- 
od, sea-fights became very frequent, and immense arma- 
ments by sea were sent both by the Greeks and Persians. 
This fact shews the progress made in ship-building, though 
doubtless this art was still very imperfect, compared with 
the state of it in modern times 

5. The best models of a popular form of government 



ALEXANDER, 356, TO CARTHAGE, 146 B. C. 



51 



among the ancients, were exhibited in Greece and Rome 
during this period. But they were far from being perfect, 
and their deficiency was connected with a vast many evils. 
Nothing was more common than revolution, faction and 
bloodshed. 

The condition of the people under those governments 
was very ineligible, compared with the best governments 
of modern times. In all the stales of Greece, the slaves 
formed the actual majority of the inhabitants. To this 
miserable class of men the free citizens were rigorous 
bond-masters. Bondage being a consequence of the con- 
traction of debts even by freemen, a great proportion of 
these were subject to the tyranny of their fellow-citizens. 



FSRZOD VZXZ. 

THE PERIOD OF ROxMAN MILITARY 
RENOWN, 

EXTENDS FROM THE BIRTH OF 

ALEXANDER, 




356 years B. C. to the Destruction of Carthage, 
146 years B. C. The length of this period is 
210 years. 

This period comprises seven principal events. 



52 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

First, the Subjugation of the Grecian states 
to the dominion of Phihp. 

Second, the Overthrow of the Persian Empire 
by Alexander. 

Tliird, the Partition of the Macedonian Em- 
pire into four great monarchies 

Fourth, the Defeat of Pyrrhus by the Romans. 

Fifth, the first Punic War. 

Sixth, the second Punic War. 

Seventh, the Subjugation of Macedonia and 
Greece by the Romans. 

The Grecian and Roman annals supply the most au- 
thentic materials for this period. It is an era prolific io 
events, particularly of defeats and conquests. 

1. The Subjugation of the Grecian States to 
the dominion ojF Philip, was the result of the bat- 
tle of Cheronea, fought 338 years B. C In 
this battle the liberty of all Greece was at stake, 
and it was lost by the success of the Macedo- 
nian king. 

While Greece was embroiled in domestic dissensions, 
and was beginning- to be enervated by luxury, the con- 
sequence of her foreign conquests, Philip mounted the 
throne of Macedon. He soon conceived the ambitious 
design of bringing that noble country under the yoke. 

An occasion was soon found. An attempt of the Pho- 
cians to plunder the temple of Delphos, excited the sacred 
waTy in which almost all the republics took a part. The 
Thebans and Thessalians soliciting Philip's aid, he 
commenced hostilities by invading Phocis, the key to 
the territory of Attica. 

Demosthenes, by his eloquence, endeavoured to arouse 
the apprehensions of the Athenians, his countrymen, and 
succeeded so as to induce them to make a vigorous effort 
for their liberties. But the event was unsuccesslul. Phi- 
lip met them at Cheronea, and the fortunes of _^that day 
fixed the condition of Greece. 



ALEXANDER, 356, TO CARTHAGE, 146 B. C. 5S 

It was not, however, his policy to treat them as a con- 
quered people. Their separate and independent govern- 
ments they retained, while he controlled all the national 
movements. In a general council of the states, being 
chosen generalissimo of the forces of the nation, he medi- 
tated the invasion of Persia, but was soon after cut off, by 
private assassination. 

2. The Overthrow of the Persian Empire hy 
Alexander^ is dated 330 years B. C. It had 
subsisted 206 years from the tinie of Cyrus the 
Great. Its fate was decided in the battle of 
Arbela, fought between Alexander and Darius, 

In this battle Darius is said to have lost 300,000 men. 
Two other battles had been previously fought between 
Alexander and the Persian monarch, in both of wliich the 
former was successful. Darius soon afterwards being 
betrajed by one of his own satraps, was cruelly murder- 
ed. 

Alexander had taken up his father's project of conquer- 
ing Persia, and was in like manner appointed by the Gre- 
cian states commander in chief of their forces. He took 
with him only 35,000 men, and with this small force he 
not only conquered Persia, but Syria, Egypt, and India, 
and meditated the design of proceeding to the eastern 
ocean. 

His army refusing to second his wishes, he was obliged 
to return, after having penetrated to the Ganges. Stung 
with mortification at the limits assigned to his conquests, 
which he vainly believed wouM be commensurate with 
Uie globe, he abandoned himself to every excess of luxury 
and debauchery. 

While he tarried at Babylon on his return home, he 
suddenly died, in a fit of debauch, in the 33d year of his 
age, and 13th of his reign. 

3. The Partition of the Macedonian Empire 
intogfour great Monarchies^ took place about 
twUve years after the death of Alexander, viz. 
312 years B. C. Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Cas- 
sander, and Seleucus, four generals of Alexan- 
der, made this division among themselves. 



34 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

From the time of Alexander's death to this division of 
the empire, there was a constant series of wars and in- 
trigues among his generals. This was the natural effect 
of his having nominated no successor. In reply to his 
courtiers, who inquired to know to whom the empire 
should devolve upon his death, he said, '-'' to the most wor- 
thy." 

The contentions which then ensued, must have been 
clearly foreseen. The consequence to his own family 
was their total extirpation. The partition of the empire 
was then agreed on, and carried into execution, not with- 
out severe contests with some of their associate com- 
manders. 

To Ptolemy were assigned Egypt, Lybia, Arabia, and 
Palestine ; to Cassander, Macedonia and Greece ; to Ly- 
simachus, Bythinia and Thrace ; and to Seleucus, the re- 
maining territories in Asia, as far as the river Indus, which 
were called thekingdom of Syria. Of these divisions the 
most powerful were that of Syria, under Seleucus and his 
descendants, and that of Egypt, under the Ptolemies. 

4 . The Defea t ofPyrrh its hy the Romans^ hap - 
peiied 274 years B. C. He evacuated Italy ; 
and the reduction of the remaining Itahan states 
by the Romans immediately followed. 

In the course of the war which the Romans carried on 
with the Samnites, the Tarentines, allies of the Samnites, 
sought the aid of Pyrrhus, kingof Epirus, a celebrated 
general, I^anding in Italy with 30,000 men, and a train 
of elephants, he attacked the Romans. 

Success at first attended his operations, but he after- 
wards met with sad reverses. After a short absence from 
Italy, in order to assist the Sicilians against the Cartha- 
genians, he returned, and made a last effort against the 
power of Rome. 

He was totally defeated, lost 26,000 men, and returned 
precipitately to his own dominions. The hostile states 
submitted to the Romans, and 480 years from the founda- 
tion of their city, it became the mistress of all Italy. 

5. The First Punic JVar^ or, otherwise, the 
war of the Romans with Carthage, commenced 



ALEXANDER, 356, TO CARTHAGE, 146 B. C. 55 

264 years B. C. It ended, though not in the de- 
feat, yet in the humihation of the latter. The 
pretext for it was the assistance which Carthage 
rendered to the enemies of Rome. 

Sicily was the principal scene and object of the war. 
Its inhabitants seemed to have only the desperate choice 
of submission either to Rome or Carthage. They chose 
the former, so that the Romans and Sicilians were array- 
ed ag-ainst Carthage 

The first fleet which they ever equipped g-ained a com- 
plete victory over tliat of the Carthag-enians. In the se- 
cond naval eng-ag-ement the Romans were also victorious, 
and they now prepared to invade Africa. Before the 
gates ofCarthcge, howe^fer, the Romans, under Regulus, 
were severely repulsed. 

Notwithstanding this success, the Carthagenians, being 
repeatedly defeated in Sicily, became at length really de- 
sirous of peace. As the negotiation for this object did 
not succeed, the war continued a number of years after, 
during which the Romans took the strongest ot the Sicilian 
towns, and won two naval battles. • 

Carthage was reduced to tlie necessity of making peace 
on the humiliating terms of abandoning to the Romans all 
her possessions rn Sicily, the payment of 3'200 talents of 
silver, and of submitting to some other important sacri- 
fices. 

6. The Second Punic ff^ar commenced 218 
years B. C. after 23 years of peace. It was be- 
gun on the part of the Carthagenians, who, dur- 
ing the time of peace, had been preparing for re- 
venge. The celebrated Hannibal was their 
general. 

The Carthagenians laid siege to Saguntum, a city of 
Spain in alliance with the Romans. The young Hanni- 
bal, after taking that place, conceived the bold design 
of carrying the war into Italy. In the accomplishment of 
that design, he passed the Pyrenees, and finally the Alps, 
with incredible difficulty, having, when he arrived in Ita- 
ly, 20,000 foot, and 6000 horse. 



56 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

The Romans fell before him. In several pitched bat- 
tles he utterly routed them, and at Cannae he made an 
immense slaughter- 40,000 Romans being left dead oq 
the field. Had he pushed his advantages, and gone im- 
mediately to Rome, the fate of the Republic would do 
doubt have been sealed. 

But he hesitated, and this gave time to the Romans to 
concentrate their forces, and they in their turn became 
victori >us, Asdrubal was sent into Italy to the uid of his 
brother Hannibal, but was defeated by the consul Clau- 
dius, and slain in battle. Scipio, triumphing in Spain, 
passed over into Africa, and threatened Carthage itself. 

In this situation of affairs, Hannibal was recalled from 
Ital}. But the battle of Zama decided the fate of the 
war, and the Carthageoians sued for peace. This was 
obtained only on the most severe conditions. 

7. The Subjugation of Macedonia and Greece, 
hy the Romans, followed not many years after 
the conclusion of the second Punic war. We 
may date the termination of the kingdom of Ma- 
cedon at 167 years B. C. and of the indepen- 
dence of Greece at 21 years after. 

The people of Ktolia, attacked by the Macedonians, so- 
licited the aid of the Romans, who, in their eagerness to 
obtain this country, readily complied with their request. 
The reduction of Macedonia was the consecfuence. Per- 
seus, its last sovereign, was led captive to Rome. 

From that time the conquest of all Greece was no long- 
er a matter of difficulty. By fomenting dissensions be- 
tween the states, the Romans gained over many of 
the principal Greeks to their views. They wanted 
nothing more than a pretext for drawing the sword, and 
that was easily found in ?=ome insult which the deputies 
of Rome are said to have received from the Achajan 
states. 

With this as the foundation of the quarrel, Metellus 
marched his legions into Greece, and commenced the 
work of slaughter. Mummius, the consul, completed it. 
conquering the whole of Greece, which, from that period, 
became a Roman province, under the name of Achaia. 



ALEXANDER, 356, TO CARTHAGE, 146 B. C. 57 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD VIII. 

1. Alexander the Great, conqueror of most of 
the world known to the ancients. 

2.* Plato ^ an eminent Grecian philosopher, 
called the divine. 

3. Demosthenes^ the prince of orators. 

4. Aristotle^ the ablest logician and philoso- 
pher of antiquity. 

5. Euclid^ the greatest master of mathemat- 
ical science. 

6. Tkeocritns, the father of pastoral poetry. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VIII. 
I. Learning and the fine arts flourished in Greece a 
considerable period after the spirit of liberty and patriot- 
isnn was extinct. The curiosity and taste of the Greeks 
required an object, and they found it in these intellectual 
and elegant accomplishments. 

Under Alexander and his successors, learning made 
great progress, particularly under the Ptolemies of 
Egypt. Philological learning flourished chiefly at Alexan- 
dria. The mathematics was cultivated by the Platonists; 
but Euclid was the great master of this science. Archime- 
des was a celebrated successor of Euclid. 

Philosonhy, during this period, was carried by Aristotle 
io a degree of perfection, to which it had never before at- 
tained. The various sects in philosophy had their lead- 
ers, as, for instance, the Stoics followed Zeno, the Epi- 
cureans the philosopher Epicurus, and the Sceptics, 
Pyrrho. 

2. Among the Romans, during the latter part of this 
period, the dawning of literature appears. Several wri- 
ters arose, who improved and polished the language, part- 
ly by original compositions, and partly by translations 
from the Greek. Among these were Livius, Andronicus, 
Plautius, Ennius, Caccelius, and Terence, all of whom 
flourished in this period. 

The Romans, it is said, had no natural taste in the fine 
arts. The productions of the masters poured in among" 



58 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

them upon the conquest of Greece, but the excellence of 
these productions was not at first duly appreciated. 

Philosophy made its appearance at Rome, in the latter 
part of the period under review, viz. in the interval be- 
tween the war with Perseus and the third Punic war. 
A few learned Achasans, banished from their country, 
and arriving in Italy, diffused a taste for literature, and 
the education of youth. 

Fearing foreign manners with foreign studies, the sen- 
ate banished the Greek philosophers from Rome. But 
an Athenian embassy arriving soon after, brought thither 
Carneades and Critolaus, who revived the taste for the 
Greek philosophy. 

3. Libraries, though scarce, were not unknown in these 
times. Besides the libraries established at Athens by Pi- 
sistratus, and at Heraclea by Clearchus, there was a ce- 
lebrated one at Susa, in Persia. 

The library of Alexandria, in Egypt, was however the 
richest. Previously to its being burnt in the time of Pom- 
pey, it contained 400,000 volumes. But some modern li- 
braries much exceed this, particularly in Frauce. 

4. The manners and customs of ancient nations, it must 
be very interesting to know ; but we have not that par- 
ticular information on this subject concerning several na- 
tions, which it is desirable to possess. Those of the 
Greeks, and especially of the Romans, are the best 
known. 

During this period, the Greeks attained to a high de- 
gree of polish and refinement, although there was a con- 
siderable diversity, in this respect, among the different 
states. The Athenians led the way in ease and polite- 
ness of manners, and in external accomplishments in ge- 
neral. 

The severer institutions of Sparta comported less with 
an attention to exterior graces. The Beotians were pro- 
verbially rude and boorish. The domestic habits of the 
Greeks must have wanted, however, much of the gentle- 
ness and humanity which characterize modern civilized 
nations, inasmuch as women, who are the principal means 
of infusing a virtuous delicacy and refinement into human 
manners, were among the Greeks little better than slaves. 

The Romans, in the early ages of the republic, were 
characterized by a spirit of temperance, of frugality, and 



ALEXANDER, 356, TO CARTHAGE, 146 B. C. 59 

probity. The patricians, when in the country, forgot the 
distinctions of rank, and laboured in the cultivation of 
their fields, like the meanest plebeians. Presented to us 
are the examples of Cincinnatus, Curious, the elder Cato, 
and Scipio Africanus. 

The town was visited only on the ninth day, which was 
the market day. In those times, says one of their histori- 
ans, good manners were cultivated both in peace and war. 
But when the Romans had extended their dominion, they 
imported the taste, manners and vices of the nations which 
they conquered, A notice of these will be given in some 
of the succeeding periods. 

5. The true religion, during this period, was still pro- 
fessed by the Jews, and for the first part of it, they enjoy- 
ed their privileges without much molestation. This was 
especially the case during the reign of Alexander, who 
granted to the Jews the rreedom of their country, laws, 
and religion ; and exempted them from paying tribute ev- 
ry seventh year. 

But with him expired the prosperous state of Judea. It 
was successively invaded and subdued by the Syrians and 
Egyptians, and the inhabitants were reduced to bondage. 
As the Jews refused to fight on the Sabbath, Ptolemy, 
king of Egypt, taking advantage of this circumstance, 
entered Jerusalem on the sabbath, and carried away 
100,000 captives. 

About eighteen years after this event, the sacrifices 
ceased, and there scarcely existed any external signs of 
religion, in consequence of another invasion by Antiochus 
the Great, king of Syria. This persecution roused the 
Jews to drive the Syrians from Judea, which they glori- 
ously effected under Judas Maccabeus. 



60 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

FBRXOD XX. 

THE PERIOD OF THE CIVIL WAR BE- 
TWEEN MARIUS AND SYLLA, 

EXTENDS FROM THE DESTRUCTION OF 

CARTHAGE, 




146 years B. C to the time of Julius Ccesar, 80 
years B. C. The length of this period is 66 
years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD, IX. 

Five principal events are recorded in this pe- 
riod. 

FiM, the Destruction of Carthage : 

Second, the Defeat of Jugurtha : 

Third, the Mithridatic War : 

Fourth, the Civil War between Marius and 
Sylla : 

Fifth, the Dictatorship of Sylla. 

The most conspicuous people of this period are the Ro- 
mans, whose history is interwoven with that of almost ev- 
ery other nation, and whose records are alike interesting 
and authentic. 

I . The Destruction of Carthage occurred 1 46 



CARTHAGE, 146, TO JULIUS C^SAR, 80 B. C. 61 

years B. C. It put an end to the third and last 
Funic war. The Carthagenians were massa- 
cred, and their city burnt to the ground. 

An unsuccessful war with the Numidians, had very 
much reduced the Carthag-enians, and the Romans, seiz- 
ing- this opportunity, invaded Africa. The Carthaj^eni- 
ans, knowing- their utter inability to meet their foe, offer- 
ed every submission. 

The Romans demanded three hundred hostages for the 
performance of those conditions which the senate should 
enjoin. The hostages were delivered ; but it appearing 
thgt the condition required was, that Carthage itself 
should be razed to its foundation, the miserable inhabit- 
ants, in despair, made a determined effort for their safety. 

All however was in vain. Carthage was taken by 
storm, and converted into a pile of ruins, with the extinc- 
tion of its population. 

2. The Defeat of Jugurtha was effected by 
Marius the consul, 1 08 years B.C. In one of the 
engao;ements 90,000 of thcNumidian army were 
slain, and ,Tugurtha, being betrayed, w-as deliv- 
ered into the hands of his enemies, and brought 
in chains to Rome. 

Jugurtha sought <.o usurp the crown of Numidia, by de- 
stroying his cousins, the sons of the last king. The elder 
brothers he murdered, and the younger, applying for aid 
to Rome, failed of success, since Jugurtha bribed the sen- 
ate, who decreed to him the sovereignty of half the king- 
dom. 

Instigated by ambition, he made war upon his cousin, 
and finally put him to death. Going to Rome, and plead- 
ing his own cause, he again, by bribery, secured the fa- 
vour of the senate. A repetition of his base conduct, how- 
ever, drew upon hira the vengeance of the Romans, and 
having, by the treachery of his father-in-law, been put 
into their hands, he graced the triumph of Marius, in 
chains, and was finally starved in a dungeon. 

8. The Mithridatic War commenced 89 
years B. C. It ended in the defeat of Mithri 
6 



62 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

dates by LucuUus, 72 years B.C. In the mean 
time the sources of those civil feuds which soon 
distracted Rome, arose. 

Miihridates wa? a very powerful monarch of the East, 
his duminions extending over several countries. He 
could bring into the field several hundred thousand men, 
besides many armed chariots. The Romans were anx- 
ious to attack him, and they wanted no other pretext than 
his having invaded some states that were under the pro- 
tection of Rome. 

Sylla, to the great disappointment of Marius, was ap- 
pointed to the command of the expedition against Mithri- 
dates. Archelaus having been sent by this monarch to 
oppose Sylla, he was defeated near Athens with the loss 
of an incredible number of his forces. 

After another battle, the Roman general recovered all 
the countries that had been usurped by Mithridates, so 
that both parties were now inclined to an accommodation ; 
Mithridates induced by his losses, and Sylla by a desire of 
taking vengeance on his enemies in Rome. 

4. The Civil War between Marius and Sylla, 
commenced 88 years B. C. These men being 
leaders of the repubhc, became rivals and ene- 
mi<^s, and carried on a most inveterate warfare 
against each other. It was attended with the 
most horrible massacres of the citizens. 

While Sylla was engaged in the Mithridatic war, Ma- 
rius, having been previously driven from Rome by Sylla, 
returning to Italy, and joining his forces to those of Cinna, 
laid siege to Rome, and compelled the city to absolute sub- 
mission. After putting to death all whom they consider- 
ed their enemies, they assumed the consulship. But Ma- 
rius, in a fit of debauch, died a few days after. 

Sylla soon returned to Italy, victorious over his foreign 
enemy, and, joined by Cethegus and other leaders, gave 
battle to those Romans who had been opposed to him, and 
entirely defeated them. A most dreadful massacre and 
proscription followed, which had for their object the ex- 
lermioation of every one of his enemies in Italy. 



CARTHAGE, 146, TO JULIUS C^SAR, 80 B.C. 63 

5. The Dictatorship of Sijlla is dated 82 
years B. C. He invested himself with this of- 
fice for an unlimited period ; but after a course 
of capricious tyranny, he voluntarily resigned. 
From this time, Rome, though nominally a re- 
public for a number of years, never actually re- 
covered its freedom. 

Sylla, as perpetual dictator, was without a rival in au- 
thority, and absolute master of the government. He 
amused the people with a show of their former govern- 
ment, but he took care that none but his own creatures 
should be elected to any office. 

Every thing was done as he exacted. The least oppo- 
sition aroused his vengeance. The people saw nothing 
before them but the prospect of hopeless slavery. It was 
at this juncture, however, that, contrary to all expecta- 
tion, Sylla laid down the dictatorship, having held it not 
quite three years. 

He retired in safety, though not without reproach. In- 
numerable multitudes had he injured beyond reparation; 
and it seems strange, after his retirement and defenceless 
state, that he escaped the effects of public or private re- 
sentment. The reason of his abdication cannot be well 
ascertained. He died soon afterwards of a most loath- 
some disease. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD IX. 

1. Polybins^ a learned historian, w^ho wrote 
the histoiy of the Greeks and Romans. 

2. Apollodortis, a Greek grammarian. 

3. Liicilius, an early Roman poet. 

4. Sylla, an able general, eminent for his 
success and cruelty in war. 

5. John Hyrcanus, liberator of the Jews, and 
father of the Asmonean dynasty. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD IX. 
1. The state of the Jewish polity and religion, during 
this period, may be given in few words. The brothers of 



64 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

Judas Maccabeus, pursuing the course bej^iin by their fa- 
ther and brother, completely eslablishei' the indepen- 
dence of their country, and changed its republiban gov- 
ernment to a vigorous and flourishmg monaichy 

John Myrcanus, son of Simon Maccabeus, united in his 
persori the office of high priest and generalissimo of the 
army, subdued the enemies of his country, and is cele- 
brated for liis many valuable qualities. His sons assumed 
the regal title. 

His descendants are distinguished in the history of tlie 
Jewish nation by the appeiiation of the Asmoiuan dynas- 
ty^ which continued about 126 years. Notwithstaodin* 
the present security of the Jews, vital religion was doubt- 
less at a low ebb. 

2. During this period, literature and philosophy among 
the Greeks were greatly on the decline. Some eminent 
historians, however, then flourished. A taste for the fine 
arts continued to be cultivated, though few or no master 
artists arose. The learned men of Greece, after the con- 
quest of their country by the Romans, became the ia- 
striictors of the latter in these elegant pursuits. 

The Romans made some progress in the same during 
this period, and were evidently preparing for the splen- 
did era which immediately follows. That era shone forth 
suddenly, and lasted in its perfection, less than a cen- 
tury. 

3. In the agricultural art, as well as in the art of war, the 
Romans were particularly well versed. Their greatest 
men, after their successes in war, retired to the peaceful 
occupations of husbandry. This practice, however, was 
soon laid aside, and successful generals became at length 
governors of provinces, as will afterwards appear. 

To their knowledge of the art of war, and to their exact 
discipline, as well as to their bravery, we must attribute 
the success of the Roman arms. From the constant prac- 
tice of athletic exercises the Romans were inured from 
infancy to hardiness and fatigue, and bred to that species 
of life which a soldier leads in actual warfare. 

The levies were made every year by the tribes called 
out, and divided into their respective number oi cen- 
turies, each century presenting by rotation as many sol- 
diers as there were legions to be raised. The number of 



CARTHAGE, 146, TO JULIUS C^SAR, 80 B. C. 65 

the soldiers in the legion was various at different periods. 
It was from 3000 to 10,000 and 1 1 ,000. 

The Roman tactics are supposed to have been at their 
highest pitch of excellence during the Punic wars. Han- 
tiibal was a master of the science of tactics. From him 
the Romans acquired important information, in view of 
his practice. 

The naval military art was far less perfect in these than 
in modern times. Their gallies consisted of one or more 
banks of oars. The combatants assailed at a distance 
with javelins, missile combustibles, &c. The serious at- 
tack was made in boarding, in which event the vessels 
were grappled by means of a crane let down from the 
prow. 

4. During so short a period, the character and manners 
of a people do not in general materially alter: yet those 
of the Romans underwent a material change. From the 
time of the destruction of Carthage, virtue and freedom 
began to sink among this people. 

An historian of their own assigns the cause : "Before 
the destruction of Carthage, the fear of their enemy kept 
the people in the practice of virtue : but when the re- 
straint of fear ceased to influence their conduct, they 
abandoned themselves to profligacy and arrogance, the 
usual concomitants of prosperity." 

Avarice and ambition now began to be the chief mo- 
tives of the Roman conquests; and the nations of the east 
and south, sunk in luxury, or wasted with contention, be- 
came an easy prey to a. people who were destined from the 
beginning to be the masters of the world. 

6* 



vjO chronology FERIOD X- 

THE PERIOD OF ROIVIAN LITERATURE, 

EXTENDS FROM THE FIRST CAMPAIGN OF 

JULIUS ^ ESAR, 




80 years B. C. to the J\cUivity of Jesus Christ, 
or the commencerfient of the Christian era. — 
This period embraces 80 years. 

Jesus Christ is supposed to have been born four years 
before the commencement of the vulg-ar era. The 10th 
period therefore comes down to the year 4 of the Chris- 
tian era, 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD X. 

This period includes seven principal events. 
First, the Taking of Jerusalem by Pompey : 
Second, the Banishment of Cicero from 

Rome : 
Third, the Invasion of Britain by Caesar : 
Fourth, the Battle of Pharsalia : 
Fifth, the Assassination of Caesar : 
Sixth, the Battle of Philippi : 
Seventh, the Battle of Actium, and the end 

of the Roman Commonwealth; 



JULIUS CiESAR, 80 B. C. TO CHRISTIAN ERA. 67 

During the latter part of this period, Rome passed from 
a republic to a despotism, and rapidly mutiplying its con- 
quesis, it held the fairest portion of the civilized world un- 
der its sway. The records of this period, therefore, are 
peculiarly Roman, embracing however the annals of the 
surrounding, nations. 

1 . The Taking of Jerusalem hy Pompey^ hap- 
pened 63 years B. C This event was connect- 
ed with the restoration of Hyrcanus to the gov- 
ernment of Judea, and the subjection of that 
country to the Romans. 

After the termination of the Civil war between Marias 
and Sylla, and of the Mithridatic war, Ponipey and Caesar 
began to figure on the stage of the Roman wcJrId. Other 
eminent men, it will be seen, were associated with them. 

Pompey being chosen consul, was engaged in wars on 
account of the republic. After conquering various coun- 
tries, he turned towards Judea, and laid siege to Jerusa- 
lem. This venerable place, which had been so often be- 
sieged and taken, being naturally strong from its position, 
sustained the siege for some time, but was at last captur- 
ed, and 1200 of its defenders slain. 

After restoring Hyrcanus to the government, he took 
Aristobolus, who had usurped it, to grace his triumph up- 
on his return. This triumph, which lasted two days, is 
said to have been the most splendid that pver entered the 
gates of Rome. The names of no less than fifteen con- 
quered kingdoms were exposed. Judea from this time 
became tributary to Rome. 

2. The Banishment of Cicero from Borne, was 
accomplished by the partizans of Caesar, who 
dreaded Cicero's abihties.' The pretence of it 
was the illegahty of certain measures pursued 
in suppressing CataUne's conspiracy. It is da- 
ted 58 years B. C. 

Cicero, the greatest man perhaps of all the RomanS;, 
had been the instrument of saving his country, by disclo- 
sing and defeating the execrable conspiracy of Cataline* 



63 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

The highest hooours had heea accorded to him on aiccouDt 
of his agency in this concern. 

Soon, however, Clodius the Tribune, instigated by Cae- 
sar, procured Cicero's banishment into Greece. He bore 
it with the greatest impatience. Pompey had abandoned 
him ; but in the wane of that general's reputation, he be- 
came desirous to prop himseli by the abilities of Cicero. 

He accordingly interested himself in procuring his re- 
call from exile, and Cicero returned in high honour after 
an absence of sixteen months. The death of Crassus, one 
of the Triumvirate, soon after left Cocsar and Pompey with 
the Roman world before them as the prize of ambition ; 
while Cicero endeavoured in vain to sustain the falling 
liberties ot his country. 

3. The Invasion of Britain by Ccesar, occur- 
red 55 years B. C. Having obtained several 
advantages over the natives, he withdrev^ to 
Gaul on the approach of winter. The next 
summer he returned, and reduced a considera- 
ble portion of the Island under the Roman do- 
minion. 

it was not until Ctr^sar had conquered the whole of 
Gaul, that he turned his arms towards Britain. The in- 
habitants of the island at that time were savaget, and 
wholly unacquainted with the arts of civilized hfe. They 
were, however, brave and warlike. 

Landing at Deal, Caosar attacked them, but he was op- 
posed with equal zeal and courage. The disciplined le- 
gions of Rome were, however, more than a match for the 
irregular skill and bravery of these savages. He bound 
the Britons to submission during his absence to Gaul. 

After a winter's residence there, he returned; and, ad- 
ding one victory after another, he so prostrated the Bri- 
tish strength, that most of the island fell under the Roman 
8wav. But the pressure of affairs in Italy induced Cae- 
sar's speedy return to Rome. 

The Battle of Pharsalia^ w^as gained by Ca3- 
sar over the forces of Pompey and of the repub- 
lic. It took place 48 years B. C. Pompey soon 



JULIUS CiESAR, 80 B. C. TOCHRISTIAN ERA. 69 

after miserably perished, and Caesar acquired 
an accession both of popularity and power. 

Caesar, io his attempt to deprive Pornfjey of his govern- 
ment, was opposed by force of arms. The consuls and a 
great part of the senate were the friends of Pompey. On 
the side of Caesar were a victorious army and the body of 
the Roman citizens, whom he had brought over by bis li- 
berality. 

Passing the Rubicon, Caesar entered Rome before Pom- 
pey had time to collect an army, who, with many of the 
senate, immediately left Rome. Having there possessed 
himself of supreme authority, he marched directly to at- 
tack Pompey's lieutenants who were in Spain. Having 
subdued these, and being in the mean time appointed dic- 
tator, and soon after consul, he had the right of acting in 
the name of the republic. 

By this time Pompey had raised a numerous army, and 
Caesar, anxious to bring him to an engagement, met him 
in the field of Pharsalia, and entirely defeated him. Of 
Pompey's army 15U00 were slain, and 24000 surrendered 
themselves prisoners. 

Pompey's end was most miserable. Fleeing into Egypt, 
he was basely taken by Ptolemy and murdered. He was 
stabbed in the sight of his wife, and after his head was 
severed from his body, the latter was thrown naked on 
the sand. By this deed Ptolemy hoped to conciliate the 
favor of Caesar. 

5. The Assassination of Coesar took place in 
the senate house 44 years B. C. As he had 
trampled on the liberties of his country, a body 
of the senators, 60 in number, entered into a 
conspiracy to deprive him of life. He fell pier- 
ced with many wounds. 

Caesar having subdued the remains of Pompej 's party, 
in whose interest C?ito and Scipio were engaged, began to 
turn his attention towards the improvement of his coun- 
try. Ambitious as he was, he manifested considerable 
moderation and clemency. His person was at length de- 
clared to be sacred, and the title of irwperator was given 
him. 



70 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X, 

The lovers of liberty were however dissatisfied. Band- 
ing together with Brutus and Cassius at their head, they 
formed the design of freeing Rome of its master. On the 
Ides of March, taking his seat in the senate-house, he 
was suddenly assailed by the conspirators. 

He warded off their daggers for some time, till, seeing 
Brutus, whom he had greatly loved and befriended, he 
faintly exclaimed, " And you, loo, my son !" Then cover- 
ing his face with his robe, he resigned himself to his fate. 

6. The Battle of Pfiilipjn was fought 42 
years B. C. It was gained by Octavius Caesar 
and Antony over the forces of the conspirators 
against Julius Caesar, headed by Brutus and 
Cassius. This decided the fate of the empire. 

Octavius, Antony and Lepidus, had formed a triumvi- 
rate tor their mutual benefit, though the two former were 
Tiv uls, and alike desirous of supreme authority. To gra- 
tify '^ach other's wishes, each consented to sacrifice some 
of \i»e best of his friends to the vengeance of his associate. 

In this way the great Cicero was given up by Octavius 
to the resentment of Antony. In this manner three hun- 
dred senators and three thousand knights were put to 
death. Octavius, being grand nephew of Julius Caesar, 
and his adopted heir, though destitute of military talents, 
had gained the senate to his interest, and divided with 
Antony the favour of the people. 

As soon as the conspirators were overtaken, Octavius 
and Antony gave them battle. This hi>ppened at Phi- 
lippi, in Thrace, and Antony obtained the victory. Bru- 
tus and Cassius escaped the vengeance of their enemy, by 
a voluntary death. 

7. The Battle of Acti?im, and the end of the 
Roman Commonwealth^ took place 31 years B. 
C. The battle was fought between the naval 
forces of Octavius, and those of Antony, in 
which the former was victorious. Octavius be- 
came the sole master of the Roman world. 

Antony had excitt d the ind'on.djun of the rornaji peo- 
ple, on account of his profligacy, and expenditure of the 



JULIUS CiESAR, 80 B. C, 70 CHRISTIAN ERA. 71 

public resources. And having divorced Octavia, bis wife, 
who was sister to Octavius, war between them became 
inevitable. The object at stake was the empire. 

An immense armament chiefly naval (the land force be- 
ing merely spectators) came to an engagement near Ac- 
tium on the coast of Epirus. The conflict was decisive. 
Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, to whom Antony was in- 
famously attached, deserted him with her gallies, in the 
midst of the engagement. 

Such was his infatuation that he immediately followed 
her, leaving his fleet, which, after a contest of some hours, 
yielded to the squadron of Octavius. Antony and Cleo- 
patra perished miserably, while Octavius was now left 
without a rival, with the government of Rome in his hand^. 
Egypt which had existed a kingdom from immemorial 
ages, from this time became a province of Rome, 

The empire had now become the largest which the 
world had ever seen ; and Octavius, now named Augus- 
tus, holding the principal offices of the state, became the 
absolute master of the lives and fortunes of the Roniaa 
people. During a long administration he almost obliterat- 
ed the memory of his former cruelties, and seemed to coo- 
sult only the good ot his subjects. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD X. 

1. Lucretius^ a Roman didactic poet. 

2. Julius Casar^ a successful^ warrior, and el- 
egant writer. 

3. Cicero^ the prince of Roman orators and 
philosophers. 

4. Varro^ the most learned of the Romans. 

5. Virgil^ the prince of Roman poets. 

6. Horace, the greatest of the Roman lyric 
poets. 

7. Sallust, the first philosophical Roman his- 
torian. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD X. 

1. The human mind made a wonderful advance during 
this period, for although in a great measure, the glory 
had departed from Greece, it shone in all its brightness 



72 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

on Rome. The Augustao age of Roman literature has 
probably never been exceeded. In philosophj' and polite 
learning the names of Cicero, Virgil and Horace will ne- 
ver be forgotten. 

To tlie Greeks, in tl>e era of their literature, must be 
' asciibed the praise of originality and invention; but Mie 
Romans were successful imitators, and in some instances 
mu-^t be said to have improved upon their models. Philo- 
sopliy and the various kinds of poetry, history and fine 
writing were cultivated with great success. 

The cultivation of physics, or natural philosophy, seems 
to have been but little attended to by Ihe Romans, or by 
the Greeks before them. We know of no Roman authois 
of this period who seem to have bestowed much attention 
on nature^ but Varro t.xcept a few fragments, his works 
have perished. 

2. Many of the useful arts had long been understood 
by the Asiatic nations, and some of those arts were under- 
stood in great perfection. These nations attracted but 
little attention at this time except through the medium of 
the Romans. Their wealth tempted the masters of the 
woild to attack them, and their luxury, profligacy and su- 
pirioness, made them, in general, an easy prey. 

Among the most distant nations of the east, even the 
Chinese, many of the arts of life were duly cultivated. 
Concerning that people in particular, we know little ex- 
cept the fact, tiiat they had a regular government under 
different dynasties, and that they wevQ partly civilized, 
and together with an acquaintance with several useful 
arts, they were not btrangers to certain sciences, particu- 
larly astronomy. 

In the art of war, however, the Romans exceeded all 
the nations of antiquity. We have not time to give any 
account of it here, onfy we would remark that Julius Cae- 
sar m particular was a great adept in it. The art of in- 
trenchment he carried to perfection. Many important 
arts with which we are acquainted, were however un- 
known to the ancients. 

3. The system of education among the Romans was 
excellent. The utmost attention was bestowed in the ear- 
ly formation of the mind and character. The Roman 
matrons themselves nursed their children. Next to the 



JULIUS CESAR, 80, TO CHRISTIAN ERA. 73 

care bestowed upon {lj<^ir morals, a remarkable degree of 
aKention seems to have been given to the language of 
children. 

The attainment of a pure and correct expression was a 
great object. The honours of the state were the pri^e of 
eloquence. Tl)e politeness which characterized the Ro- 
mans shewed itself particularly in their speech and ges- 
ture. 

4. The manners and customs of antiquity were, in ma- 
ny respects, different from those which now prevail. In 
the Bible we may perceive frequeat allusions to habits 
and practices which appear very strange to us. During 
the period now under review, the Roman manners were 
well established. Their national character had fully de- 
veloped itself. 

The day was spent at Rome briefly as follows : — The 
morning was passed in visiting the temples, or in attend- 
ing the levees of the great The clients waited on their 
patrons, and the patricians visited one another. From 
the levee they proceeded to the forum, either for business 
or pleasure. 

When the hour of dinner arrived, which was at noon, 
they partook of a very slight repast. After dinner the 
youth repaired to the Campus Martius, where they were 
engaged in athletic exercises and sports till sunset. The 
elder class engaged in repose, literary conversation, the- 
atrical amusement, or the shows of the circus and am- 
phitheatre, according to their respt'iive tastes and incli- 
nations. 

After these occupations it was customary to. go to the 
baths. From these they went immediately to supper, 
which was their principal meal, and far exceeded modern 
luxury in eating and drinking. Cookery became a sci- 
ence : and ihe number and costliness of their dishes were 
scarcely credible. At table it was their practice to re- 
cline on couches. 

3. The morality of nations is apt to decline with the 
increase of their wealth. This was eminently the case 
with tlie Romans. They became, at length, when their 
poverty and freedom had departed, a most vicious and 
abandoned people. 

Among the Jews, the true religion had, for a long time 
7 



74 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 

run \o\7. But it was at the extremest point of its degra- 
dation, immediately previous to the coming of our Saviour 
into the world. 

By the favor of the Romans, the Jewish monarchy had 
been re-established. Herod the great was placed on the 
throne of David. This prince rebuilt the temple in a 
very magnificent manner. His reign was splendid, but 
was stained with almost every crime. At this time an 
event took place, than which none more important in its 
nature and consequences, was ever recorded in the histo- 
ry of religion, or of the world, viz. the birth of jesus 

CHRIST. 

MODERN CHRONOLOGY 

extends from the Nativity of Jesus Christ to 
the present time. 

This portion of Chronology may be divided 
also into Ten Periods. 

GENERAL DIVISION. 

PERIOD I. will extend from the Nativity of 
Jesus Christ to the Reign of Constantine the 
Great, 306 years A. C. This is the period of 
the Ten Persecutions of Christians. 

PERIOD II. will extend from the Reign of 
Constantine, 30fi years A. C. to the Extinction 
of the Western Iiimpire, 476 years A. C. This 
is the 'period of the Northern Invasions. 

PER2i:OD III. will extend from the Extinc- 
tion of the Western Empire, 476 years A. C. to 
the Flight of Mahomet, 622 years A. C. This 
is the period of the Justinian Code, and of the 
Wars of Belisorius. 

PERIOD IV. will extend from the Flight of I 
Mahomet, 622 years A. C to the crowning of 
Charlemagne at Rome, 800 years A. C. This 
is the period of the Establishment of the Sara- 
' en Dominion. i 



GENERAL DIVISION. 75 

PERIOD V. will extend from the Crowning 
of Charlemagne at Rome, 800 years A. C. to 
the First Crusade, 1095 years A. C. This is 
the period of the New fVestern Empire. 

PERIOD VI. will extend from the First Cru- 
sade, 1095 years A. C. to the Founding of the 
Turkish Empire, 1299 years A. C. This is the 
period of the Crusades. 

PERIOD VII. will extend from the Found- 
ing of the Turkish Empire, 1299 years A. C. to 
the Taking of Constantinople, 1453 years A. C. 
This is the period of the Papal Schism. 

PERIOD VIII. will extend from the Taking 
of Constantinople, 1453 years A. C. to the Edict 
of Nantes, 1598 years A. C. This is the period 
of the Reformation. 

PERIOD IX. will extend from the Edict of 
Nantes, 1598 years A. C. to the death of 
Charles 1 2th of Sweden, 1718 years A. C. This 
is the period of the English Commonwealth. 

PERIOD X. will extend from the Death of 
Charles 12th, of Sweden, 1718 years A. C. to 
the final Restoration of the Bourbons, 1 8 1 5, A. 
C. This is the period of the American and 
French Revolution. 



\ 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 



PERXCD Z. 

THE PERIOD OF THE TEN PERSECU- 
TIONS OF CHRISTIANS, 

EXTENDS FROM THE NATIVITY OP 

JESUS CHRIST, 




to the Reign of Constantine the Greats 306 years 
A. C. The length of this period is 306 years, 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD I. 

We may notice six principal events in this 
period : 

First, the Birth of Jesus Christ : 

Second, the Commencement of the Persecu- 
tion of the Christian Church • 

Third, the Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus : 

Fourth, the Victories of Trajan in Dacia and 
the Eagt : 



CHRIST TO CONSTANTINE, 306 A. C. 77 

Fifth, the Defeat of the Persians by Alexan- 
der Severus : 

Sixth, the Partition of the Roman Empire by 
Diocletian. 

Modern chronolog-y, in its application to history, is 
much more clear and definite than most portions of an- 
cient chronology, particularly its earlier portions, and 
those that relate to nations which were but little known. 
Ecclesiastical and civil records furnish us with abundant 
and authentic materials. 

1 . The Birth of Jesus Christ, may be dated, 
according to the best authorities, 748 years from 
the founding of Rome, and 4 years before the 
common date of the Christian era. He was 
" (iod manifest in the flesh," and came into the 
world to make expiation for sin. He was cruci- 
fied in the 33d year of his reign, and 3d of his 
divine ministry. 

The particulars of the life of Jesus Christ, of his doc- 
trine, of the effects of his ministry and death, of the la- 
bors of his apostles, and the system of religion which they 
taught under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are given 
in the several bo(>k3 constituting the New Testament. 

To this record, we refer for iutormation on these impor- 
tant topics, since they can not here be detailed. The 
reader need not, perhaps, be told, that they are the most 
inl cresting and momentous of all human narratives. — 
Their veracity and authenticity are not, at this day, to be 
questioned. 

The effects of the Saviour's appearance in the world, 
were, from the beginning, decisive. Considering the hos- 
tile inclinations of man, his religion, under the ministrj"- 
of the apostles, spread with great rapidity. Reformation 
of moral character was its aim, object, and result. Its 
effects ever have been great, and such they will be to the 
end of time. 

The appearance of Jesus Christ on earth, has had an 
influence on all subsequent history among civilized na- 
tions. It is the great era from which we reckon events* 



78 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 

It has altered the aspect of all human affairs, and will al- 
ter them more and more, as his religion hecomes more 
prevalent. In many events to be noticed in this part of 
our work, we shall perceive the relation between them 
and this cardinal, all-important occurrence. 

2. The Commencement of the Persecution of 
the Christian Church, took place under Nero, 
64 years A. C. This persecution was repeated 
in ten successive instances, under the Roman 
emperors that followed, down to the time of 
Constantine, thus continuing more than two 
centuries. The sufferings and loss of life, which 
were the consequence, exceed calculation. 

The emperors under whose r< igns this persecution was 
raised and carried on, were Nero, Domitian, Trajan, An- 
toiiiiius, Severus, Maximinus, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, 
and Diocletian. At'ter Rome became an empire under 
Augustus, its sovereigns were, for the most part, monsters 
of vice and cruelty. 

As sotne of the persecuting emperors were esteemed 
virtuous men, it must be attributed, partly to the spirit of 
the times, partly to the form of t!ie Roman government, 
but chiefly to the opposition of the human heait to the re- 
ligion of Jesus CHirist, that such dreadful persecutions 
were waged against the christians. 

The sufferings of the christians, the capricious tortures 
they endured, and the various forms of death whicli they 
underwent, need not here be described. Under the se- 
cond persecution, 40,000 were supposed to have suffered 
martyrdom. The seventh persecution under Decius, is 
said to have been the most dreadful ever known. 

Christians were in all places driven from their habita- i 
lions, stripped of their estates, tormented with racks, j 
fire. &c. In the last persecution, which continued ten | 
years, the amount of suffering- was immense — the loss of j 
life almost incredible. In Egypt alone, no less than 144,- 
000 christians died by the violence of their persecutors, 
besides 700,000 that died through the fatigues of banish- 
ment, &c. 

3. The destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, oc- '< 
casioned the extinction of the Jews as a nation. 



CHRIST TO CONSTANTINE, 306 A. C. 79 

and their dispersion throughout the earth. It hap- 
pened 70 years A. Christ, who had repeatedly 
predicted the event. Nearly 1,500,000 Jews 
perished on this awful occasion. 

The Jews, for some time, had beeo governed by Herod, 
as viceroy under Augustus. Archelaus, Herod^s son, 
vas banished on account of his tyranny; and Judea, from 
that period, was in the ordinary condition of a Roman 
province. 

As the Jews rebelled on every slight occasion, Vespa- 
sian was sent by Nero to reduce them to order, but being 
soon re-called to assume the government of the empire, 
Titus his son was left to prosecute the expedition. Will- 
ing to spare the city, he made many efforts to persuade 
the Jews to surrender : but he did not succeed. 

With a spirit of singular infatuation, they rushe4 on 
their own ruin. After a blockade of six months, Jerusa- 
lem was taken by storm, the temple reduced to ashes, and 
tlie city buried in ruins. This miserable people, who had 
crucified the Lord of glorj% received the punishment due 
to their crimes. Innumerable butcheries were made by 
the Roman sword, and by their own, upon themselves. 

Frotn this time the nation was no more. Many of them 
left Judea forever. These sunk into the greatest de- 
grcidalion. Vespasian ordered all the Jewish lands to be 
sold for his own use, and imposed a tribute of half a she- 
kel on all the Jewi within his empire. 

4. The Victories of Trajan in Dacia and the 
East, greatly enlarged the boundaries of the 
Roman Empire ; but they were not permanent- 
ly useful. The conquered countries soon re- 
appeared in arms. Trajan commenced his vic- 
torious course 102 years A. C. 

The Dacians, claiming a trbute from the Roman peo- 
ple, Trajan suddenly appeared in arms on the frontiers, 
and awed them at once into a treaty of peace. As, how- 
ever, this was soon after violated, he entered the hostile 
country, obtained a complete victory, though with a pro- 
digious slaughter of his troops, and Dacia became a Ro- 
man province. 



80 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD I. 

The emperor then turned his arms eastward, and spee- 
dily rednced Mesopotamia, Chaldea, Assyria ; and took 
Ctesiphon, the capital of the Parlhian empire. Still pursu- 
ing his conquests in the East, he subdued nations till then 
unknown, and it is reported, that arriving- at the confines 
of India, " he lamented, with a sigh, that his advanced age 
scarcely left him any hopes of equalling the renown of 
the son of Philip. '» 

5. The Defeat of the Persians hy Alexander 
Sevenis, occurred in a decisive engagement 
which he had with that people. The Roman 
empire, by this defeat of the Persians, was re- 
stored to its former limits. It is dated 226 years 
A. C. ,. 

In the intWFal between Trajan and Alexander Severus, 
some of the wnquered province? of the F^mpire threw off 
the yoke. Persia was one of them. The effbi ts of Alex- 
ander, who was a soldier, brought many of them again 
within the pale of the empire. 

But such was the corruption of the times, it became im- 
possible that so mighty a structure as the Roman Empire 
could be preserved entire. At the period of Trajan's 
death, it comprehended the greater part of Britain, all 
Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, part of Germany, 
Egypt, Baibary, Bildulgerid, Turkey in Europe and in 
Asia, and Persia. 

Alexander stayed the progress of its decay, only in ap- 
pearance. His slaughter of the Persians, in a single en- 
gagement, was immense, and the ciiies of Ctesiphon and 
Babylon were once more taken. The empire, however, 
was exhausted by this exertion of its remaining 
strength, and it became but little more than a splendid 
rum. 

6. The Partition of the Roman empire by 
Diocletian, is dated 292 years A. C He divi- 
ded it into four governments, under as many 
princes, two of them being emperors, each call- 
ed Augustus, and two Caesars. Thus a new 



CHRIST TO CONST AXTINE, 300 A. C. 81 

system of adminstration was formed, though it 
did not long continue. 

Maximian shared will) Diocletian the title of A(%ustus ; 
and Galerius and Constantius were declared Caesars. 
All were nominally supreme, though iu reality directed 
by Diocletian. The measure was doubtless unwise, since 
its efficacy depended on the ability of an individual. 

Diocletian and Maximian, in pursuance of their plan, 
retired from the sovereignly, and left the government in 
the hands of the Caesars. But Constantius dying soon 
after, and his son Constantine beJag proclaimed emperor, 
though Galerius did not acknowledge him, Maximian 
resumed again the purple. ♦ 

On the death of Maximian and Galerius, Constantine 
had no other competitor than Maxentius, the son of the 
former, and the contest between them was decided by the 
sword. Maxentius perished, and Constantine remained 
sole master of the empire. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD I. 

1 . Livy^ the prince of Roman historians. 

2. Seneca^ a Roman morahst and philosopher. 

3. Pliny 2c^, the earliest writer on Natural 
History, whose works are extant. 

4. Tacitus^ an eminent philosophic historian. 

5. Plutarch^ the principal biographer of anti- 
quity. 

6. Quinctilian^ an eminent Greek critic. 

7. Origen and > learned christian writers, 

8. Cyprian, \ commonly calledya^Aers. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD I. 

1. At the commencement of this period, sprang up the 
Christian Religion, which was grafted on Judaism, and 
derived from the same divine source. By the divine ap- 
pointment, Judaism was superseded by Christianity, as 
types and shadows were no longer of any use, after the 
substance was come. 

From the time of our vSaviour's ascension, his religion 
began to make its way among the nations. The labors 



82 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 1. 

and sufferings of the apostles, and other early christian 
teachers, were almost incredible, in accomplishing this 
object. It prevailed, notwithstanding the prejudices and 
lusts of the liuman heart. 

The opposition which the Christian religion met with, 
never hindered its progress. The awful persecutions 
which were raised against tlie christians, weve the means 
of exciting the attention of mankind to the subject of 
their religion. Notwithstanding all the attempts to put it 
down, it fiqally prevailed throughout the Roman empire, 
and reached, at last, the throne of the Caesars. 

It is noi to be concelled, however, that many false no- 
tions, foreign to the puje gospel, became incorporated 
with it. Primitive Christianity, before the conclusion of 
this period, was considerably corrupted by the Pagan phi- 
losophy, tbvs giving rise to the sects of the Gnostics and 
Ammonians, and the Piatonising christians. 

In the third' century it was exposed, in addition to the 
fires of persecution, to the attacks of infidel philosophers, 
as Porphyry, Philostratus, &c , but was ably defended by 
Origen, Dionysius, and Cyprian 

2. Succeeding the Augustan age, there were many 
men of superior erudition and intellectual powers ; but 
whatever pertains to polite and elegant literature, began 
to decay. A pompous, affected, and false style of writing, 
chiefly prevailed. No works so finished as those of Vir- 
gil and Horace were produced after the Augustan age, 
though there were some writers, perhaps of superior ge- 
nius, to those of that renowned age. 

Yet the princes who succeeded Augustus were friends 
of literature, and were somewhat learned themselves. — 
But they were despots. Genius being indulged at the risk 
of life, (for no offence could be safely given to the throne) 
was cramped within narrow bounds. Eloquence was 
abandoned to pedants. Sophists occupied the chair of 
philosophy. 

Until the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews had schools 
in Judea, particularly at Bethhoron, Jerunia, and Tibe- 
rias. In the schools of Egypt, the chief of whicii was 
Alexandria, were taught the Greek philosophy, mathe- 
matics, jurisprudence, medicine, magic and astrology. 

In Greece, the schools of Athens still flourished, and at 
Rome and in Italy they were first endowed from the pub- 



CIIllIST T^ CONSTANTINE, 306 A. C. 83 

lie treasury by Vespasian. The principal school, next to 
that of Rome, was at Milan. 

3. Tlie population of the Roman empire, during- this 
period, was exceeding-Iy large. It has been computed to 
be no less than / 20,000,000, one half of whom were slaves. 
The capital alone contained more than 6,000,000 of in- 
habitants. 

Innumerable, also, were the hordes of barbarians to the 
north and north east, by whom the Roman empire was at 
length o^^erpowered. Their numbers seemed not to be at 
all exhausted, notwithstanding the immense slaughter 
which was made of them by lonarfjontinued wars 
m On the whole, though many ofthe arts of life were then 
l^undiscovered, and the moderns* have many conveniences 
which the ancients had not, this period, especially the'for- 
mer part of it, in population, splendor, and DflM'er, stands 
conspicuous on the records of the world. J^^ 

During the latter part of this period, hovf^^, the mag- 
nificent structure of the Roman empire was ready to fall 
into ruin, and long ages of darkness, ignorance, and im- 
becility, were approaching. 

4. Except the barbarous nations by which the empire 
was surrounded, and except India and China, of whicli 
we hear little during this period, but one form of govern- 
ment prevailed ; and that was the government of imperial 
Rome. For she held, under her sway, all the civilized 
world, which was at that time known. Some ofthe forms 
of free institutions were observed in the empire, but they 
were merely forms. The emperor was master of the lives 
and fortunes of his subjects. 

In room of the ancient republican institutions, which 
were founded chiefly on personal merit, a rigid subordina- 
tion of dignities now went through all the orders of the 
state. Tl^e magistrates were divided into three classes, 
distinguished by the titles of I, the illustrious; 2, the re- 
spectable ; 3, the clarisimi. 

These titles, however, vfere without meaning, and mere- 
ly matters of parade ; and the state of society was an al- 
most constant interchange of oppression on the part of the 
great, and of servility on the part of the poor. 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 



FERZOD x:. 

THE^FftlOD OF THE NORTHERN 

^^ INVASIONS, 

-V 

EXTENDS FROM THE REIGN OF 

CONSTANTINE THE GREAT, 




306 years A. C. to the Extinction of the f4^estern 
Empire^ 476 ijears A. C The length of this 
period is 1 70 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD II. 

Six principal events*dt'e comprised within this 
period : 

First, the Toleration of Chrisdanity through 
the Roman Empire : 

Second, the Removal of the Seat of the Ro- 
man Empire to Constantinople : 



CONSTANTINE TO EXTINCTION W. E. 476 A. C. 83 

Third, the Sack and Burning of Rome by 
Alaric : 

Fourth, the Comniencement of the kingdom 
of the Vandals in Africa : 

Fifth, the Ravages of Attila, the Hun, in 
the Roman Empire : 

Sixth, the Arrival of the Saxons in Britain^ 

The Roman Empirey'which comprises the history of the 
whole civilized world, during this period, as also during 
the last, excites a strong interest in connexion with 
Christianity. Both civil and ecclesiastical records, not- 
withstanding the decay of genius, are abundant. 

1. The Toleration of Christianity^ through 
the Roman Empire^ took place under Constan- 
tine the Great, 306 years A. C. The pubHc 
persecutions of the Christians then ceased ; 
and, though some of the succeeding emperors 
were hostile to the cause, it completely triumph- 
ed over Paganism under Theodosius, about 80 
years after its first toleration by Constantine. 

As Constantine fought under the banner of the cross 
against his enemies, and was successful, he felt disposed 
to express his gratitude to the divine Author of the chris- 
tian faith. He soon issued edicts, declaring that the 
christians should be eased of all their grievances, and re- 
ceived into places of trust and authority. 

Thus, the religion of the Saviour, which had stood the 
ordeal of ten persecutions, was seen at once to prevail 
over the whole Roman Empire. In a few years Constan- 
tine established it on a solid basis. He comnuinded, that 
in all the provinces, the orders of bishops should be ex- 
actly obeyed ; a privilege of which they afterwards made 
a bad use. 

Reassembled also a general council of these fathers at 
Nice, in order to repress the heresies, that had already 
crept into the church, particularly that of Arius. The 
tenets of the heresiarch were condemned, and he and his 
associates were banished into a remote part of the empire. 
8 



36 cnaoNOLOGY — period ii. 

In the lime of Theodosius, 384 A. C. the cause of Chris- 
tianity and Paganism was solemnly debated between Am- 
brose, the champion of the former, and Symmachus, the 
defender of the latter Christianity was triumphant, and 
the senate issued a decree for the abolition of paganism, 
the downfall of which, in the capital, was soon followed 
by its extinction throughout the empire. 

2. The Removal of the Seat of the Roman 
Empire, to Constantinople, was effected by Con- 
stantiae, 329 years A. C. It was a measure, 
which hastened the downfall of the empire. 
The ancient name of Constantinople was By-*i 
zantium. 

Whatever were Constantine's motives in removing the 
seat of the empire, the step was highly impolitic. It weak- 
ened, exceedingly, the already tottering empire. The 
latter, after this event, never resumed any sliare of its 
former lustre. 

The new seat of empire seems to have been designated 
in the following manner: — Constantine had made choice 
of a situation at Chalcedon, in Asia Minor, but we are 
told that in laying out the ground-plan, an casjle caught 
up the line, and flew with it over to Byzantium, a city 
which lay upon the opposite side of the i3osphorns. 

Here, therefore, it was thought best to fix the seat of 
empire ; and Constantine, after having euilt a capitol, an 
amphitheatre, many churches and other public works, and 
jnany magnificent edifices, and after having dedicated the 
city to the God of martyrs, repaired thither with his whole 
court. 

t» The effect of this measure was not immediately felt. The 
first sensation was not so great as might have been expect- 
ed. But in a few years, and especially after the govern- 
ment was apportioned among tiie emperor's sons, there 
was such a division of the forces of the empire, that the 
northern barbarians, who fonght with superior numbers, 
and were often defeated, began now to prevail, 

3. The Sack and Burmn^ of Rome, by Aln- 
ric, happened 410 years A. C. The pilla£;e last- 
<xi six days, and multitudes of its inhabitants 



CONSTANTINE TO EXTINCTION W. E. 476 A. C. 87 

were massacred. For more than 600 years, 
Rome had not been violated by the presence oi' 
a foreign enemy, and for more than 1 000 years 
it :had stretched the arm of its power over the 
nations. 

The Northern nations, consisting of various tribes ia 
CTCitnany, Sylhia, and other regions to the North and 
East, commonly called Goths, Huns, Vandals, &c. had, 
for a considerable length of time previously, made fre- 
quent attacks upon the borders of the empire ; but they 
were generally repulsed 

Their nun:juer3, however, seemed inexhaustible, and 
they were poured liko a torrent upon tl?e enfeebled and 
distracted empire. Alaric, a vxoth, afterwards styled king 
of the Visogoths, was the first who laid siege to Rome, 
which he reduced to the most dreadful extremity. In a 
moment of despair, the Salarian gate was opened at mid- 
night, by some of the Romans tiiemselves, and the mis- 
tress of the world was abandoned to the licentious fury of 
the tribes of Germany and Sythia. 

Notwithstandmg the orders given by Alaric, that none 
but the armed should be killed, vast multitudes of the ci- 
tizens were put to death, and probably more were redu- 
ced from affluence to the miserable condition of captives 
and exiles 

4. The commencement of the Kingdom oj the 
Vandals in Africa is dated 439 years A. C. 
Genseric, king of the Vandals, ])y invitation 
from Boniface, a Roman general, came to the 
assistance of the latter. The compact between 
them was, that they should divide Africa be- 
tween them. The Vandal, however, treacher- 
ously seized the whole, but the kingdom which 
he founded, lasted not quite a century. 

The Vandals had previously invaded France, Italy and 
Sp^in, and had. indeed, settled in the latter countr;^. — ■ 
Boniface, in maintaining the arms of the empire against 
the usurper John, was induced to send for Genseric from 



88 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

Spain to aid bim. The measure, however, was ruinous to 
his cause. 

The Vandal, having thus obtained a footing in Africa^ 
which he greatly desired, could not be prevailed on after- 
wards, by the offer of great sums of money, to retreat. 
He had occupied the whole country except three cities, 
and these he soon took. 

Shutting up Boniface in Carthage, he compelled him, 
at the expiration of a year, to surrender ; and the Poman 
general had the mortification »f beholding all Africa, 
which he had once saved, ravaged in the most cruel man- 
ner, by the barbarians whom he had invited thither. 

5. The Ravages of Attila, the IIu?i, in the 
Roman Empire, commenced 445 years A. C. 
He overran Illyrium, Thrace, Dacia and Moe- 
sia, and at that time laid the Romans under tri- 
bute. Soon afterwards, with an army of 500,000 
men, he threatened the destruction of the Em- 
pire. He was, however, ably opposed by Ae- 
lius, general of Valintinian III. 

While the Vandals under Genseric were trampling on 
the Roman province of Africa, and at length took and 
plundered Rome itself, the Huns were advancing upon 
the empire from the East. This people are supposed to 
have originated from the eastern part of Asia. 

Extending their conquests from the borders of China 
to the Baltic sea, they impelled the Goths upon the em- 
pire, and soon followed in the same track. Their march 
was extremely desolating. To their leader Attila, the vic- 
tims of his ambition have given the expressive appellation 
of " The scourge of Gud." 

The emperor Theodosius, after an gttempt to murder 
Attila, ingloriously submitted to pay him an annual tri- 
bute of gold. The barbarian general, appearing again 
with an immense force, attempted to prostrate, at once, 
the decaying empire- 

Valentinian HI., emperor of the West, sent Aetius to 
oppose him. This general met with some success. But the 
emperor, shut up in Eotne by the arms of the barbarian. 



CONSTANTINE TO EXTINCTION W. E. 476 A. C. 89 

was at length compelled to purchase a peace. Attila sud- 
denly expired in the midst of his successes. 

6. The Arrival of the Saxons in Britain^ 
was connected with the reduction of the south- 
ern part of that island under the Saxon power. 
They landed under the command of Hengist 
and Horsa, 451 years A. C.,and having assisted 
the Britons in repelling the Picts and Scots, they 
turned their arms against the Britons themselves. 

The Romans tiad finally relinquished Britain. This 
circumstance, while it restored the inhabitants to their 
liberty, exposed the South Britons to the encroachments 
of their northern neighbors. , lu order to free themselves 
from this evil, they solicited the Saxons for succour and 
protection. 

The latter gladly availed themselves of the opportunity 
Jo visit a country long known to them, in their piratical 
voyages to its coasts. Only sixteen hundred warriors ac- 
companied Hengist and Horsa; but with this force, ia 
conjunction with the South Britons, they compelled the 
Scots to retire to tiieir mountains. 

This object being accomplished, the Saxon adventurers 
meditated tlie entire reduction of the Britons, and receiv- 
ed, for this purpose, larg-e reinforcements from their 
countrymen. The struggle was long and severe, but it 
resulted in the triumph of the Saxons. Uirder them, sev- 
en distinct provinces became as ny^ny kingdoms, govern- 
ed, for several ages, by their respective sovereigns. 
DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD II. 

1 . Lacta?itius, an elegant vs^riter and able de- 
fender of Christianity : sometimes called the 
Christian Cicero. 

2. Ossian^ a Caledonian bard. 

3. Eusebins, the father of Ecclesiastical his- 
tory. 

4. Julian, emperor of Rome, an acutCj but 
malignant infidel philosopher. 



90 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

5. Claudian, an elegant Latin poet. 

6. St. Chrysostom and ) learned and eloquent 

7. St. Augustine^ \ fathers in the church. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD II. 

1. The Christian Religion, during this period, was ex- 
ternally advanced, but internally corrupted. It had, how- 
ever, many able and pious apologists. Besides Lacta- 
nius, Chrysostom, and Augustine, the pens of Athanasius, 
Bazil, the Gregories, Jerome, Cyril and others were 
employed, either in the defence or illustration of the doc- 
trines of Christianity. 

Heresy greatly infested the Church. Arius and Pela- 
gius introduced their pestilent opinions, and, though those 
opinions were promptly condemned by the orthodox, they 
were the occasion of animosity and contention in the 
church, for many ages. From the Arians sprang the 
sects of Euoomians, Semiarians, Eusebians, &c. Augus- 
tine particularly distinguished himself by his refutation of 
the opinions of Pelagius. 

The attacks of infidel philosophy against Christianity, 
were continued during this period ; more especially was 
the Emperor Julian engaged in this nefarious underta- 
king. His peculiar powers of rif^icule were employed 
against the sacred cause, in addition to al! his weight and 
authority as un emperor. He became the author of mucli 
mischief. His cavils were answered by Cyril, patriarch 
of Alexandria. 

The sy tem of penances, religious sequestration and mo- 
nachism, arose duritig this period. Constantine, having 
put an end to the persecution of christians, many concei- 
ved it a duty to procure ior themselves voluntary suffer- 
ings. They retired into caves and hermitages, and there 
practised the most rigorous mortifications of the fleshy by 
fasting, scourging, vigils, <^c. 

This madness first showed itself in Egypt, a country 
fruitful in superstitions. In the time of Tlieodosins, in 
the fourth century, these devotees began to form commu- 
nities, each associate binding himself, by oath, to observe 
the rules of his order- 
Images were introduced into churches about this era, 
but not directly for the purpose of worship. They were 



CONSTANTINE TO EXTINCTION W. E. 476 A. C. 91 

used as aids to devotion, but even under this form met with 
a strenuous opposition from the pious. The practice was 
first observed in Spain. 

2. Learning, taste, and g^enius, had greatly declined. 
Very few writers of this period observed the perfect mo- 
dels of the Augustan age, and none equalled them. A 
few poets, as Claudian and Prudentius, wrote elegant 
verses ; but they exhibited no commanding genius, and 
depicted no powerful passions. If the noble poems as- 
cribed to Ossiao, a rude Caledonian, are really his, 
(which, however, we may reasonably doubt,) he must be 
considered as the first of the poets of this period. 

A few philologists, philosophers, and historians appear- 
ed, but no names are peculiarly distinguished. We read 
of some great names, as connected with the defence of re- 
ligion, though the style of writing prevalent at that time, 
and especially among that class of authors, was faulty. — 
The ancient classic taste and manners were just disap- 
pearing, if they had not quite disappeared. 

3. The numerous Northern tiibes, which overwhelm- 
ed the Boman empire, were originally involved in igno- 
rance and barbarism. The Goths, however, were no lon- 
ger idolaters, but christians, when they settled in the 
southern provinces of Europe. They were respectable, 
also, in their morals. 

lo their native wilds, they, doubtless, togcllicr with 
their successors, were among*^tiie most ignorant and sav- 
age of mankind. Their institutions were peculiar, and 
indicated a people warlike, fierce, and intractable. — 
They worshipped Odin, the father of carnage. 

The government of the Goths, after their settlement in 
the Roman provmces, was monarchical. It was at first 
elective, and alterwards became heieditary. The sove- 
reign on his death- bed appointed his successor, with the 
advice or consent of his grandees. 

The dukes and counts were the chief oflScers under the 
Golliic government. The duke was the commander in 
chief of the troops of the province; the count was the 
hijjhest civil magistrate. Of tiie counts there were vari- 
ous orders, with di^.tinct official powers, as chamberlain, 
constable, &e. These various officers were the grandee* 



-92 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD II. 

of the kingdom, and coDstituted the council oi the sove- 
reign. 

4 Amidst the decay of the arts, the loss of public spi- 
rit, and the sufferings of the great mass of the Roman 
people, the luxury and wealth of the privileged few, are 
truly astonishmg. 

" The accurate description of the city (Rome) which 
was composed in the Theodosian age, enumerates 1780 
houses, the residence of wealthy and honorable citizens. 
Many of these stately mansions might almost excuse the 
exaggeration of the poet (Claudian) that Rome contained 
a multitude of palaces, and that each palace was equal to 
a city : since it included, within its own precincts, every 
thmg which could be subservient either to use or luxury, 
markets, hippodromes, temples, fountains, baths, porti- 
coes, shady groves, and artificial aviaries. The historian 
Olympiodorus, who represents the state of Rome, when 
it was besieged by the Goths, continues to observe that 
several of the richest senators, received from their estates 
an annual income of 4000/. of gold, (above 160,000/. ster- 
ling) without computing the stated provision of corn and 
wine, which, had they been sold, might have equalled in 
value one third of the money.'' 

" According to the description of Chrysostom, an auc- 
tion of By/anline luxury must have been very productive. 
Every wealthy house possessed a semi-circular table of 
massy silver, such as two men could scarcely lift, a vase 
of solid gold of the weight of 40/. cups, dishes of the same 
metal," &c.* 

* Gibbon. 



EXTINCTION OF W. E. TO MAHOMET, 622 A. C 93 



PERIOD ZZX. 

THE PEP TOD OF THE JUSTINIAN CODE 
AND OF THE WARS OF BELISARIUS, 

EXTENDS FROM THE EXTINCTION OP 

THE WESTERN EMPIRE, 




M^ years A. C to the Flight of Mahomet, 622 
years A. C. The length of this period is 146 
years. 



IMf>ORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD III. 

The principal events of this period are five. 
F'irst, the Taking of Rome by Odoacer, 
prince of the Heruh : 

Second, the Reign of Theodoric the Great> 
in Italy : 

Third, the Defeat of the Vandals in Africa, 
by Belisarius : 



54 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD 11. 

Fourth, the Subjugation of the Ostrogoths in 
Italy, by Behsarius : 
Fifth, the Conquest of Italy by the Lombards. 

The dark ages, as they have been commonly called, 
commenced with this period. At least the darkness now 
begins to be particularly apparent, and we shall find it 
prevailing over the nations, though witli some intervals of 
light, nearly 1000 years. Records, however, of the times, 
and of the state of the human mind, are found both in ci- 
vil and ecclesiastical writers. 

1 . The Taking of Rome hy Ocloaccr, prince 
of the lieruli, put an end to the Western Ro- 
man Empire, 476 A. C. The length of time 
which it had existed as an empire, viz. from the 
Rattle of Actium, was 507 years. The whole 
period from the building of the city was 1224 
years. The Eastern empire of Rome continu- 
ed several ages after this date, though in com- 
parative weaknessv 

The extinction of the Western empire took place dur- 
ing the reign of Romulus, surnamed Aufcustiilus, the son 
of Orestes. Odoacer. having tuhdued Italy, and taken 
its capital, spared the life of Augustulus, on condition of 
his resigning the throne. 

This feeble youth was directed to signify his lesignatiou 
to the senate; while that body humbly requested Zeno, 
the emperor of the East, to invest Odoacer with the ad- 
ministration of the diocese of Italy. To Augustulus was 
assigned a splendid income to support him in a private 
station, at a villa in Campania. 

Writers have not failed to remark that the empire be- 
gan ia Augustus, and ended in a prince, called by a di- 
minutive of that name, meaning " Little Augustus." 

The ruin of the Roman empire was the result of iU 
greatness, connected with its moral corruption. The di- 
vine perfections are concerned in effecting by natural 
causes, the extinction of enormously guilty nations. — 
Rome, having become a mass of luxury, weakness and 



EXTINCTION OF W. E. TO MAHOMET, 622 A. C. 95" 

profligacy fell an easy prey to the barbarians who poured 
in upon its dominions. 

2. The Reign of Theodoric the Greats in Italy, 
commenced 488 years A. C. Having wrested 
the sovereignty of that country from the hands of 
Odoacer, by means of several engagements, he 
enjoyed the possession of it for a number of 
years, with credit to himself, and with the ap- 
probation of his Roman subjects. 

The Herulian dominion in Italy, under Odoacer, lasted 
but a little beyond 20 years. The whole nation of the Os- 
trogoths attended the standard of Theodoric, their prince, 
who had obtained permission of ll)e Eastern ernp< ror, to 
attempt the recovery of Ilnly, and a promise of its sove- 
reignty as the reward of his success. 

After a severe struggle, Odoacer surrendered all Italy 
to the conqueror. Tlie happiness enjoyed by the Romans, 
under Odoacer, was not at all diminished, but rather in- 
creased, by their change of masters. Tiieodoric has the 
reputation of having been an able and virtuous prince, 
though he was doubtless too partial to the Arian heresy, 
and though some acts of cruelty marked the conclusion 
of his reign. 

3. The Defeat of the Vandals in Africa, hy 
Belisari^LS, occurred 534 years A. C. By that 
event, Africa was recovered to the empire. The 
army of the Vandals under Gelimer, a succes- ' 
sor of Genseric, vastly exceeded that of the Ro- 
mans ; but the fate of Africa was soon decided, 
by the valor of the Roman general. 

'The hero Belisarius, who revived the fainting glory of 
Rome, was born among the Thracian peasants, and had 
gradually risen to military command in the army of Jus- 
tinian. Great was his merit as a warrior and citizen, and 
though the ornament of Justinian's reign, he was often 
shockingly ill-treated by the latter. 

In the expedition to Africa he encountered many dan- 



D6 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. . 

gers, but meetinj^, soon after he landed, the army of Geli- 
mer, he defeated it in a general engag-ement. 

Gelimer, collecting his scattered forces, was soon join- 
ed by his brother Zano, and before he had arrived from the 
fields of Bulla to Tricameron, his army exceeded ten times 
that of the Romans. Belisarius, however, conscious of 
the superior merit of his troops, permitted the barbarians 
to surprise him at an unseasonable hour. But the battle 
was won by the Romans with scarcely any loss on their 
part, and the Vandal king was carried a prisoner to Con- 
stantinople. 

4. The Subjugation of the Ostrogoths in Ita- 
ly ^ by Belisarius i restored that country to the em- 
pire. This event took place 537 years A. C. 
The restoration, however, w^as temporary : for, 
after various turns of success and defeat, during 
30 years, Italy was abandoned to the barbarians. 

After taking various places in Italy, Belisarius ap- 
proached the ancient capital of the empire. Vitiges, who 
bad been raised to the head of the Gothic government, 
by a singular policy determined to delay offensive opera- 
tions, and 'eft Rome to its fate. Having recruited his 
forces, the Gothic monarch advanced to the capital, now 
occupied by Belisarius ; but with 100,000 men he failed of 
his object, and was entirely defeated. 

Six years after this event, Totila, the Goth, attempted 
the recovery of Italy from the Romans, and succeeded. 
Belisarius, who had been called away from the theatre of 
action, returned to Italy, but he was at first unable to pre- 
serve the capital. Totila took it, and began the work of 
destruction. 

Warned, however, by Belisarius, who appealed to the 
barbarian's sense of glory, he forbore to execute his threat 
of changing Rome, into a pasture for cattle. Totila, soon 
leaving the city, to proceed to other conquests, and post- 
ing an army in its vicinity, Belisarius suddenly cut his way 
througli the opposing enemy with only 1000 horse, and 
erected his standard on the capitol. 

At this juncture, he was cruelly called away, through 
the jealousy of Justinian, and Narses, the eunuch, was 
despatched to prosecute the advantage already obtained 



EXTINCTION OF W. E. TO MAHOMET, 622 A. C. 97 

by Belisarius over the Gothic forces. The eunuch entire- 
ly succeeded. But he followed the fate of Belisarius, for 
he was ungratefully recalled by the successor of Justin- 
ian, after he had governed italy with great ability for 13 
years. To avenge his injuries, he invited the Lombards 
to invade the country. 

5. The Conquest of Italy hy the Lombards, 
was accomplished under their leader, Alboin, 
568 years A. C They expelled the Ostrogoths 
from the country, and were masters of the great- 
est portion of it, for 206 years. They had a 
succession of 21 kings, the last of whom was 
defeated and imprisoned by Charlemagne. 

The I-.ombards have given a permanent name to a por- 
tion of Italy, viz. Lombardy. The occasion of their en- 
trance into this country, was the invitation of Narses, the 
eunuch, to avenge his wrongs. In five montlis after the 
departure of Alboin from Pannonia, Milan wzs invested 
by his forces, and from the Tarentine hUls to the gates of 
Ravenna and Rome, the inland parts of Italy submitted 
without a siege or a battle. 

Some attempts were made by Maurice, the Eastern em- 
peror, assisted by several barbarian chiefs, to expel the 
Lombards. Little, however, was effected, except some 
political changes, and during a period of more than 200 
years, Italy was unequally divided between the kingdom 
of the Lombards, and the exarchate of Ravenna. Charle- 
magne, as will hereafter appear, put an end to their sove- 
reignty. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD III. 

1 . Proclus, a learned Platonist and unbeliever. 

2. Boethius, a Roman poet and Platonic phi- 
losopher. 

3. Procopi?is, a Roman historian, and last of 
the classic writers. 

4. Cassidorus, the historian of Ravenna, and 
tutor to Theodoric, the Gothic king. 

9 



98 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD III. 

5. Belisarius, a heroic and successful general 
of Justinian. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD III. 

1. The majesty of the Roman empire shone out, for a 
short time, under the auspices of Justinian, by means of 
the successes of Belisarius. Italy, however, was essen- 
tially lost to the empire, notwithstanding the temporary 
dommion regained over it by the Eastern emperor. The 
blow had been struck which was destined to sink the 
world, for ages, into barbarism, and ignorance, and crime. 

The civilized nations, bound up together in one mightj 
and unwieldly community, had been prepared, by a vari- 
ety of causes, for the catastrophe which awaited them. 
The Northern invaders did not originate ; they scarcely 
hastened this catastrophe. As much of crime and barba- 
rism as they brought with them, they became, upon their 
settlement in the sou-th of Europe, as reputable, at least, 
as the native citizens themselves. 

Without the agency of the Northern invaders, dark- 
ness and barbarism would have visited the Roman world, 
so long as such monstrous abuses of human right, and es- 
pecially of the divine religion of the Gospel, were suffer- 
ed to exist. 

2. As a consequence of this state of things, the arts 
and sciences fell rapidly during this period. The lights 
of human nature were seen in tar less numbers, and shone 
with far less splendor than formerly, in the intellectual 
horizon. The classic authors end with this period ; yet 
it is distinguisiied as tlie era of the Justinian Code. 

The review of the Roman jurisprudence iu this work, 
and also in the pandects and instUutes, is a noble monu- 
ment of Justinian's spirit and industry. The domestic in- 
stitutions of Europe acknowledge the public reason of 
the Romans, and the laws of Justinian still command the 
respect and obedience of independent nations. It was 
towards the latter part of this period that the Latin tongue 
ceased to be spoken in Italy. 

3. Christianity, during this period, was considerably 
extended, particularly in Gaul, Britain, and Scotland, and 
among some barbarous tribes beyond the Danube. But 
many of the conversions were doubtless only in name, 



EXTINCTION OF VV. E. TO MAHOMET, 622 A. C. 99 

since the Gospel seemed to have very little control, in 
general over those who professed to embrace it. 

Religious error and corruption manifestly advanced du- 
ring this period. The declension of science and of religion 
reciprocally accelerated each other. The Arian heresy 
very considerably prevailed, and the monastic life came 
more and more in repute. 

After the subjugation of Italy by the Lombards, the 
christians in that country were severely persecuted, for 
several years, by these new invaders But in the year 
587, Authasis, the third monarch of the Lombards, embra- 
ced Christianity as professed by the Arians, and his suc- 
cessor, Agilutf, adopted the tenets of the Niceue Catholics. 

The labors of Augustin, the monk, in Britain, were pe- 
culiarly successful. Six Anglo-Saxon kings, who had 
hitherto remained in their pagan state, were converted, 
and Christianity, at length, was universally embraced 
throughout Britain. Many of the British, Scotch, and 
Irish ecclesiastics, travelled among the Batavian, Belgic 
and German nations, and propagated Christianity among 
them. 

4. After the fall of the Western empire, commerce 
was long at a stand in Europe. It was not greatly ex- 
tended previously to that event. The most adventurous 
voyages were the circumnavigation of Britain. The an- 
cients did not know that Africa was almost circumnaviga- 
ble. They had so limited a knowledge of the earth, that 
tliey believed both the torrid and frigid zones were unin- 
habitable. 

Their commerce was chiefly confined to the Mediter- 
ranean. When Attila was ravaging the empire, the Ve- 
neti took refuge in the small islands at the northern ex- 
tremity of the Adriatic, and there founded Venice, which 
began very early to equip small fleets, and trade to the 
coasts of Egypt and the Levant, for spices and other mer- 
chandize of Arabia and India. 

Genoa, Florence and Pisa, imitated this example, and 
began to acquire wealth ; but Venice retained her supe- 
riority over these rival states, and gained from the oppo- 
site coasts of Illyricum and Dalraatia, considerable terri- 
toiies. 



1X)0 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 



PERIOD ZV. 

THE PERIOD OF THE ESTABLISHMENT n 
OF THE SARACEN DOMINIONS, 

EXTENDS FROM THE FLIGHT OF 

MAHOMET, 




622 years A. C. to the Crowning of Charlemagne 
at Rome, 800 years A. C. The duratiun of 
this period is 178 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD IV. 

We may enumerate six principal events dur- 
ing this period. 

"First, the Flight of Mahomet from Mecca to 
Medina : 

Second, the Siege of Constantinople by the 
Saracens : 

Third, the Conquest of Spain by the Sara- 
cens : 



MAHOMET TO CHARLEMAGNE, 800 A. C. 101 

Fourth, the Defeat of the Saracens by Charles 
Martel : 

Fifth, the Termination of the kingdom of the 
luombards in Italy : 

Sixth, the Assumption of the Imperial power 
in the East by Irene. 

During this period, the light of science, became far 
more dim, than during the preceding, and both writer and 
reader must " walk amidst assassins and executioners, 
without scarcely finding objects less dreadful on which 
they may rest their eye." 

1 . The Flight of Mahomet, from Mecca to 
Medina, was occasioned by the opposition he 
met with in propagating his religion. It happen- 
ed 622 years A. C. At Medina he was joined 
by Omar, and returning to Mecca, he took it 
by force of arms. In this manner, his impos- 
tures, which have been continued to the present 
time, in many countries of the East, were first 
imposed upon mankind. 

Mahomet was born at Mecca, on the Red Sea, in 569. 
He was of mean parentage and education, but a man of 
genius, which was enlarged by intercourse with mankind, 
and quickened by ambition. 

The religion of which he was the author, was a system 
of Asiatic voluptuousness and Arabian superstition, graft- 
ed partly on the morality, of the Gospel, and partly on 
some of the rites of Judaism. The Koran, which he wrote 
in detached parcels, imbodied the substance of his reli- 
gion, and is the sacred book of the Mussulmans. 

From the time that he took Mecca, he never laid down 
his arms, till he had subdued all Arabia and a part of Sy- 
ria, imposing his religion wherever he extended his con- 
quests. In the midst of his successes he died, at the age 
of 61, A. C. 632. 

Under his immediate successors, Abubeker, Omar, Ot- 
man, and Ali, in the space of 50 years an empire was 
erected, more extensive than what remained of the Ro- 
9* 



102 CHRONOLOGY.. ..PERIOD IV. 

man. It included Arabia, Syria, Phoenicia, Mesopota- 
mia, Chaldoea, Persia, Egypt, Lybia, Munudia. Bactriaua, 
and a part of Tartary. 

The name of Saracens, or Moors, is given to those suc- 
cessors of Mahomet who extended their empire through 
North Africa, South Europe, and the islands of the Me- 
diterranean. The last of this race is the present emperor 
of Morocco. 

2. The Siege of Constantinople, hy the Sara- 
cens, occurred 672 years A. C. It proved to 
be ineffectual, though the preparations made by 
the Saracens were vast, and their expectations 
of success undoubted. The result of this siege 
raised the reputation of the Roman* arms. 

Mahomet, in his life time, had asserted that the sins of 
the first army which besieged Constantinople should be 
forgiven. This circumstance inspired the Saracen lead- 
ers and their troops, with singular enthusiasm. Their 
fleet passed through the unguarded channel of the Helles- 
pont, and the troops were disembarked 7 miles from the 
city. 

But their enthusiasm was in vain. The solid and lofty 
walls of Constantinople were well defended, and the 
Arabs were dismayed by the strange and prodigious ef- 
fects of artificial fire. They withdrew to puss the winter 
at some distance from the capital, but repeated their at- 
tacks during the six following summers, (ill the loss of 
30,000 Moslems, compelled them to relinquish the enter- 
prize. * 

This result of the Saracen Expedition induced a truce 
of 30 years, which was concluded between the two em- 
pires, and the commander of the faithful was reduced to 
submit to the payment of a heavy annual tribute. This 
badge of servitude, however, was soon shaken off, and 
the future emperors were unable to enforce it. 

3. The Conquest of Spain, hy the Saracens, 
was achieved under Muca, general of the Calif 

* We apply the appellation of Greek or Roman indif 
ferently to the Eastern Empire. 



MAHOMET TO CHARLEMAGNE, 800 A. C. 103 

Walid, 71 3 years A. C. The conquerors, satis- 
fied with the sovereignty of the country, left the 
Goths who had long been masters of Spain, in 
possession of their property, laws, and religion. 
By the marriage of Abdallah, the Moor, with 
the widow of the Gothic king, the two nations 
formed a perfect union. 

The Saracens had lately founded in Africa, the empire 
of Morocco,. which was governed by the general or vice- 
roy, Muca. Muca sent his general Tariff into 8pain, 
who, in a single memorable engagement, stripped the 
Gothic king, Rodrigo, of his crown and life. 

Ope small part of the country of Asturia alone adhered 
to its christian prince, Pelagius, who, maintaining his lit- 
tle sovereignty, transmitted it inviolate to his successors. 
The preservation of this independency contributed after- 
wards to the deliverance of the north of Spain from the 
Moorish yoke. 

In the south of Spain, however, for the space of two 
centuries, the kingdom of the Moors flourished in full 
vigor. Abdalrahman fixed the seat of his government at 
Cordova, which became a place of the utmost splendor 
and magnificence. The Moorish princes gained the high- 
est reputation both ia arts and arms, of all the nations of 
tlie West. 

4. The Defeat of tlie Saracens, hy Charles 
Martel, occurred 732 years A. C. They threat- 
ened all Europe with subjugation to the Ma- 
homedan dominion and religion; and but for 
their providential defeat by Charles Martel, 
might have been, to this day, the masters of the 
civilized world. 

Charles Martel was mayor of the palace^ so called, un- 
der Thierry, king of France. The king, however, was 
only the nominal, Charle.^ was the real sovereign. Undei* 
his administration, the Saracens penetrated from Spain 
into France. The duke of Aquitain they defeated, and 
they were about to march into the heart of the kingdom. 



j04 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 

But Martel, whose Fig^orous genius alone could have 
rescued the empire from tlestruction, brought them to a 
general engagement, between Tours and Poitiers. In 
spite of the ability of Abdarame, their chief, vvho disputed 
the ground with the utmost bravery, tliey were defeated, 
and compelled to retreat. They afterwards rallied, but 
were again defeated. 

By this event, the terror with which they had inspired 
Europe, was diminished. Martel, soon afterwards, be- 
queathed the government of France, as an undisputed in- 
heritance to his two sons, Pepin and Carloman. Pepin, 
however, soon succeeded to the sole administration, and 
was acknowledged by the Pope as king. 

With him began the second, or Carlovingian race of 
kings in France. 

5. The Termination of the kingdom of the 
Ltomhards^ in Italy^ was brought about by the 
agency of Charlemagne, 774 years A. C. At 
the request of the Pope, and in discharge of the 
obhgation of his father Pepin, to the holy see, 
Charlemagne took the field against Desiderius, 
king of the Lombards, and having defeated him, 
put an end to the Lombard dominion in Italy. 

Charlemagne had married the daughter of Desiderius. 
The latter, however, having very indiscreetly afforded too 
open a protection to the widow and children of Carloman, 
brother to Charlemagne, with ambitious views, the French 
monarch divorced his wife. This Desiderius highly re- 
sented. 

Applying to the Pope to favor his projects, and failing 
in the attempt, he attacked the Papal territory, and en- 
deavored lo seize on rhe person of the Pope. Charle- 
magne, however, coming seasonably to his assistance, met 
the Lombard king in battle, and taking possession of his 
sovereignty, was declared by the Pope king of Italy and 
patricia of Rome. 

6. The Assumpion of the Imperial poiver, in 
the East ^ by Irene, who was mother of Constan- 
tine VI. commenced 788 years A. C. It was 



MAHOMET TO CHARLEMAGNE, 800 A. C. 105 

connected with the cruel murder of her son. 
She enjoyed tlie fruits of her enormous crime 
only a few years. 

Irene was the widow of Constantine Porphyrogenitu?, 
and constituted Regent durinj^ her son's minority. She 
kept the latter in entire subjection, even making- him a 
prisoner in the apartments of his palace. Constantine, 
however, at length obtaining- iiis liberty, assumed the go- 
vernment of the empire, and imprisoned his mother in re- 
turn. 

As, howe' er, he continued to visit her, she acquired a 
peculiar ascendency over him, probably by encouraging 
his vices, and thus rendering him odious to his subjects. 
This afFqrded a pretext for her cruel machinations. Be- 
ing left with the army in Bythinia, she despatched several 
officers to depose her son. 

They arrived at Constantinople, without being suspect- 
ed of such a design, and put out the emperor's eyes in so 
barbarous a manner, that he died three days afterwards in 
the most excruciating pain. Nicephones, the great trea- 
surer, had, in the mean time, made a party against his mis- 
tress, and obtaining the purple, he secured the riches of 
Irene. 

This being accomplished, he banished her to the isle of 
Lesbos, where the want of a decent provision obliged hec 
to earn a scanty subsistence by the labors of the distaff. 
Here she died of vexation, having enjoyed her ill-gotten 
power but six years after the murder of her son. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD IV. 

1 . Mahomet^ an Arabian impostor, and founder 
of the religion which is called by his name. 

2. Bede^ a venerable English historian. 

3. Charles Martel^ the father of a race of 
kings, and conqueror of the Saracens. 

4. John Damascenus, a christian writer strong- 
ly tinctured with the Aristotleian philosophy. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD IV. 
1. Scarcely any writers, or men of genius worthy of 
note, appeared during this period — a striking and melau- 



106 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IV. 

choly contrast to the days of Grecian and Roman glory, 
which the world had once seen. The sciences suffered 
great decay. Taste was extinguished. 

A sort of attention was paid to learning", but with scarce- 
ly any effect. The common course of studies in all the 
schools was grammar, logic, rhetoric, music, arithmetic, 
geometry and astronomy. The first three were called 
Trivium, or trifling studies : the last four Quadrivium, or 
high studies. A vain and ideal philosophy had begun uni- 
yersally to infect the minds of men. 

2. The Feudal System came more notoriously into use 
during this period. By this expression is properly meant, 
that lenure on which the proprietors of land held their 
possessions, viz. an obligaiion to perform military service, 
whenever required by the chief to whom they owed alle- 
giance* 

Some have supposed that it originated with the Franks 
Trho conquered Gaul, but it is probably derived from a 
remoter source. Among the people, during the race of 
the Merovingian kings it came very generally into use, 
and by degrees extended itself over most of the nations of 
Europe. 

It subsisted among the Romans, who, to check the in- 
roads of the barbarian nations, and to secure their distant 
conquests, were obliged to maintain fixed garrisons on 
their frontiers. To each officer in those garrisons, it was 
cuy'o.nriary to assign a portion of land as the pledge and 
pay of his service. These gifts were termed beneficia, or 
fiefs. 

These fiefs were at first revocable by the sovereign, and 
reverted to him, on the death of the vassal. But the pos- 
sessors of fiefs, under the Merovingian kings, at length 
obtained independency and security of property. 

It was a consequence of a fief becoming hereditary, 
that it should be capable of being given out in portions, 
and that the vassal himself holding his land of the sove- 
reign by the tenure of military service, should be able to 
create a train of inferior vassals, by giving to them parts 
of his estate to be held on the same condition, of follow- 
ing his standard in battle, rendering him homage as their 
lord, and paying, as a symbol of their subjection, a small 
annual present. 



MAHOMET TO CHARLEMAGNE, 800 A. C. 107 

3. The Empire of the East retained a vestige of its 
ancient splendor during this period. Il had lost its Afri- 
can and Syrian provinces, and wa^. plundered by the Sara- 
cens on the eastern frontier, and ravaged on the north 
and west, by the Abari and Bulgarians. The capital was 
splendid and refined, but presented a coDstaot scene of 
rebellions and conspiracies. 

The imperial family itself exhibited a series of the most 
horrid crimes. One emperor was put to death in revenge 
of murder and incest ; another was poisoned by his queeo ; 
a third was assassinated in the bath by his own domestics ; 
a fourth tore out the eyes of his brothers ; the empress 
Irene, whose talents commanded respect, was infamous 
for the murder of her only son. 

The times were remarkable, indeed, for profligacy, and 
for misery, its concomitant. 

4. The Church partook of the degeneracy, or rather 
by its corruption, became the cause of it. Pure Chris- 
tianity was but little known, amidst futile forms and cere- 
monies, and external pomp. Worldly ambition had ta- 
ken possession of the pretended vicegerents of Christ. 

The popes now began to acquire a temporal authority, 
from the donations of territory made by christian princes, 
and they were gradually extending a spiritual jurisdiction 
over all the christian kingdoms. It was not long before 
they attained to the height of their power, a circumstance 
which will be noticed in the next period. 

It was during this period, as we have seen, that Mahom- 
etanism arose, whose author conceived the bold project of 
subverting the Cliristra«^ religion aiid the Roman power 
By artifice and force he so far succeeded during his life 
time, as to impose his opinions on multitudes in Arabia 
and in the adjacent regions. 

After his decease, his fanatical followers, aided by the 
Nestorian christian8,,extended their conquests throughout 
the East, and the whole of the extent of the northern 
coast of Africa. The mahomelan religion spread wher- 
ever their sword made way for it. The cause of Chris- 
tianity was thus trampled upon in the East and in Africa, 
and was beginning to lose ground in Europe, but here, aj 
we have seen, the Saracen dominion was checked. 
JNotwithstaadingthe sway of Mahometauism in the East 



108 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD V. 



Christianity wns externally advanced in Europe. Several 
pagan nations received its lif^ht, particular ly the Germans, 
Bavarians, Swiss, Belgie, Saxons and Huns. 



PISRXOB V. 

THE PERIOD OF THE NEW WESTERN 
EMPIRE, 

EXTENDS FROM THE CROWNING OF 

CHARLEMAGNE, 

AT ROME, 




800 years A. C. to the first Omsade] \mb years 
A. C. The duration of this period is ^'^3 years. 



IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD V, 

We may assign to this period five principal 

events. v 



CHARLEMAGNE, 800, TO FIRST CRUSADE, 1 095. 109 

First, the Crowning ofCharlemagne at Rome; 

Second, the Union of the Saxon Heptarchy 
under Eabert : 

Thirdrthe Defeat of the Danes, or Normans, 
by Alfred the Great : 

Fourth, the Reign of John Zimisces, Empe- , 
ror of the East : 

Fifth, the Landing of Wilham the Conqueror 
in Britain - 

The Roman Empire, which has filled so large a space 
in the eyes of mankind, at this era had fallen very consid- 
erably from its emiuence ; while other nations and sove- 
reignties began to make a figure on the stage, and to at- 
tract a portion of public attention. With the decay of 
the Roman empire, and the corruption of the Christian 
religion, was connected the increasing darkness of the 
times. 

1. The Crowning of Charlegmane atRome^^OQ 
years A. C. as Emperor of the West, was per- 
formed by Pope I^eo III. It was during his 
last visit to Italy that Charlemagne was estab- 
lished in this august sovereignty. It is thought 
by some, that if he had chosen Rome as the 
seat of his government, and at death had trans- 
mitted an undivided dominion to his successor, 
the fallen empire must have been once more re- 
stored to prosperity and greatness. 

Charlemagne was accustomed to pass annually from the 
Pyrenees into Germany, and thence to Italy. la ap- 
proaching Rome for the last time, the Pope despatched a 
messenger to meet him with the keys of tl'e confession of 
St. Peter, and the standard of the city of Rome. From 
this union of religious and militaiy attributes, it was evi- 
dent that Charlemagne w.is on the eve of becoming em- 
peror 

Accordingly on Christmas-day, which was then the day 
of the nQw year, being present at the service of the mass, 
iO 



110 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD V. 

and on his knees before the altar, the Pope came sud- 
denly behind him, and placed on his head the crown of 
the Caesars. This act was followed by loud acclamations. 
An august title which had lain dormant for several cen- 
turies, was thus revived. It did not however restore 
Rome to its ancient splendour Charlemagne had no fix- 
ed capital, and divided, even in his life-time, his domin- 
ions among his children. The New Western Empire suh;» 
sistc. only in name among the successors ofCharlemagnei 

2. The Union of the Saxon Heptarchy under 
Esi;bert, was effected 827 years A. C. nearly 
400 years after the first arrival of the SaxotiS in 
Britain. This is properly the commencement 
of the kingdom of England. The seven dis- 
tinct sovereignties, which constituted the Hep- 
tai : hy, becoming one, were from this time gov- 
erned by one king. 

As there was no established rule of succession, the Sax- 
on princes adopted the barbarous policy of putting to 
death all the rivals of their intended successor. Owing 
to this cause, connected at the same time with the passion 
for celibacy, the royal families were nearly extinguished 
in the kingdoms of the Heptarchy. 

Egbert, prince of the West Saxons, remained at length 
the sole surviving descendant of the Saxon conquerors of 
Britain. His ambition was excited by this favourable 
circumstance, and in attempting the conquest of the Hep- 
tarchy he entirely succeeded in the enlerprize. An un- 
ion of all the separate states into one great kingdom was 
the effect of his victorious arms, and judicious policy. 

3. The Defeat of the Danes hj Alfred the 
Greats was several times repeated, before the 
effect was produced of suspending their depre- 
dations. I'hey were, for a long time, an inces- 
sant scourge to the English coast. Alfred ac- 
complished his heroic enterprize, 890 years A. 
C. 

l^hea Alfred ascended the throne, be found the king- 



Ill 



dom reduced to extreme wretchedness. The Normans, 
or Danes, had, dunng fifty years, ravaged the coasts of 
the island Alfred in one year gained over them eight 
battles; ^ut a new irruption of their countrymen forced 
him to solicit a peace, which these pirates frequently io- 
terrupted by fresh hostilities. 

At this juncture Alfred was compelled to secure his 
person by retreating into an obscure part of the country. 
Here he staid many months, until the diso^-ders of the Da- 
nish army offered a fair opportunity for attacking tliem, 
which he embraced with great effect. Instead of entire- 
ly destroying them, as he might have done, he incorpora- 
ted many of them with his English subjects. 

This clemencj' however did not prevent their country- 
men from attempting a new invasion. They were terri- 
bly defeated, and met with so severe a treai-nent, that 
they were intimidated, and for some time ceased to mo- 
lest the island. 

4. The Reign of John Zimisces, Emperor of 
the East^ commenced 969 years A. C. It v. as 
signalized by the success of his arms against tiie 
Russians and the Saracens, the one on the Dan- 
ube, and the other on the Tigris. His general, 
Bardes, with 1 2,000 men, routed an army of 
300,000. 

John Zimisces was a noble Armenian by birth, of un- 
common stature, strength, and beauty, aud of an heroic 
soul He was duly proclaimed after the demise of his 
predecessor, in accomplishing whose fate he is said to 
have been concerned. A just Providence, it would seem, 
awarded him, however, a similar treatment. 

The success of his wars against the Russians and Sara- 
cens|had acquired for him the title of conqueror of the 
East, and saviour of the empire. On his return, howev- 
er, from these conquests, observing the princely estab- 
lishments of the eunuch Basil, who had greatly enriched 
himself, during the preceding reigns, with the blunt sin- 
cerity of a soldier, he exclaimed, " What, roust the Ro- 
man empire be abandoned to the rapacity of an insolent 
eunuch ?" 



112 CIIRONOLOCV PERIOD V. 

This expression cost him his life: a cup of poison was 
administered to him. Zimisces employed the short space 
that intervened hetween (he fatal draug-ht and his disso- 
Itition, in acts of piety and political regulations. He di- 
ed universally lamented, in the 9th year of his reign. 

5. The handing of IVilUam the ConqiLeror in 
Britain, occurred 1066 years A. C. With 
60,000 men he defeated the Enghsh under Har- 
old in the field of Hastings, and soon afterwards 
took possession of the throne of hlngland, which 
had been previously bequeathed to him by king 
Edward the Confessor. 

William was Duke of Normandy, and a prince whose 
great abilities and personal prowess had rendered his 
name illustrious throughout Europe. Edward, the Eng- 
lish king, upon his decease, made him his heir, with a 
view to defeat the progress of Harold, son of the earl of 
Wessex, who aimed to usurp the crown. 

On the death of Edward, Harold actually took posses- 
sioQ of the throne, which the intrepid Norman determined 
immediately to regain as his rightful inheiitance. His 
preparations were very formidable, and he was aided ia 
this romantic age, by many .sovereign princes, and a vast 
body of nobility from the different kingdoms on the conti- 
nent. 

A Norwegian fleet of 300 sail entered the Humber. 
The troops were disembarked, and, after one successful 
engagement, were defeated by the English army in the 
interest of Harold William landed his army on the 
coast of Sussex, and the English, flushed with iheir recent 
success, hastily advanced to meet him. They were how- 
ever totally routed and discomfited. The Conqueror^s 
possession of the throne was the consequence of this vic- 
tory. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD V. 

1, Charlemagne, a successful warrior and 
able sovcjeign. 

2. P/totius, a learned Christian writer and 
philosopher 



CHARLEMAGNE TO FIRST CRUSADE, I 095 A. C. 113 

3. Alfred^ a wise, learned and virtuous prince. 

4. Avicenna, an Arabian philosopher and 
physician. 

5. Suidas, a Greek lexicographer. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD V. 

1. Literature, science and taste, w^ere words but little 
known and used during: this period. Persons of the high- 
est rank, and in the most elevated stations, could not read 
or write. Many of the clergy did not understand the bre- 
viary which they were obliged daily to recite ; some of 
them could scarcely read it. 

The human mind, neglected, uncultivated and depress- 
ed, sank into the most profound ignorance. Charlemagne 
and Alfred the Great, by their superior genius, endea- 
voured to dispel this darkness, and to give their subjects a 
short glimpse of light. But the ignorance of the age was 
too powerful for their efforts and institutions. The dark- 
ness returned and prevailed throughout Europe more or 
less, till the 15th century. 

The scarcity of books in those times, and the nature of 
their subjects, as legends, lives of the saints, &c. account 
in part for such a state of things. What of learning was 
possessed was confined to a few ecclesiastics. The only 
national exception to the profound ignorance of the age, 
were the Aralaians. 

That part of Europe which they held, viz. Spain, was 
much more enlightened than any of the other states. The 
caliph Haroun Alraschid made Bagdat illustrious by the 
successful cultivation of the arts and sciences. It was 
during this period that the Arabians introduced figures 
into Europe. 

2. The state of the mechanic arts was very low in Eu- 
rope at this time : the Saracens had made more progress 
in them. The fine arts, particularly sculpture and paint- 
ing, were preserved from absolute extinction, only by the 
existing remains of ancient art. 

Charlemagne appears to have been anxious for the im- 
provement of music, and the musical gamut was about 
this time invented. The Italians are said to have in- 
structed his French performers in the art of playing on 
10* 



114 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD V, 

Iheorg-an. Architecture was cultivated in a.style term 
ed tbe Gothic, which admits of great beauty and inagnifi- 
cenro. 

During these times, there were no inns in Europe, un- 
less in great cities. Every man was obliged by law to 
give accommodation to travellers. The chief towns were 
built of wood. 

The art of war seems not to have been much altered or 
improved. In the New Western Empire, cavalry were 
not numerous, twelve farms being taxed to furnish only 
one horseman with his armour and accoutrements. The 
engines for the attack and defence of towns were, as in 
former times, the ram, the balisia, catapulta. tesludo, &lc. 

3. Commerce and navigation gradually increased in 
this age. Charlemagne had his iihips of war stationed in 
the mouths of all the larger rivers. He bestowed great 
attention on commerce. The merchants of Italy and the 
south of France traded to the Levant, and exchanged the 
commodities of Europe and Asia. Venice and Genoa 
were rising into commercial opulence. 

Manufactures were then not unknown. Those of wool, 
glass and iron, were cultivated with considerable success 
in many of the principal towns in the south oflEurope. 

4. in the laws and manners of the Northern nations, 
there were some striking peculiarities, as, for instance, 
the pecuniary fines for homicide, the ordeal or judgment 
of God, and judicial combat. 

The magistrate interfered not to punish, but to recon- 
cile contending parties, and was satisfied, if he could per- 
suade the aggressor to pay, and the injured to accept, the 
moderate fine which was imposed as the price of blood, 
and the measure of which was regulated according to the 
ank, the sex, and the country of the person slain. 

In the ordeal or judgment of God, the criminal was or- 
ered, at the option of the judge, to prove his innocence, 
y the trial of cold water, of boiling water, or red hot 
ron. He was exposed to drowning, scalding and burn- 
ng, in a manner which we should necessarily suppose 
would be fatal to hrm ; and yet if we were to credit ac- 
counts of the experiments made, we should believe that 
the supposed culprit often escaped without hurt or suffer- 

jug- 
The judicial combat, though sanctioned by high autho- 



CHARLEMAGNE, 800,'tO FIRST CRUSADE, 1095. 115 

rity, even so late as the last century, in France and Eog-- 
land, was a bloody and iniquitous custom, which to this 
day may be traced in the practice of duelling-. 

For the most part, the state of the Church was ex- 
tremely low during- this period. The darkness and cor- 
ruption of the times were so g-reat, that but few enlight- 
ened and consistent believers could be found. Christian- 
ity was dishonoured both by the principles and practices 
of its teachers. 

All ranks of the clergy were characterized by ambition, 
voluptuousness and ignorance. Benefices were publicly 
exposed for sale, so that the lowest and most profligate 
men often obtained them. 

The popes generally extended their temporal authori- 
ty, and. together with the rest of the clergy, engrossed a 
share of influence in the administration ot civil govern- 
ment, altogether inconsistent with their sacred functions. 
Ecclesiastics became^ temporal rulers ; and kings, and 
princes, and nobles, shut themselves up in cloist,ers, and 
spent their lives in penances. 

The separation of the Greek from the Latin Church 
took place at this era. a circumstance which severely 
wounded the''popedom, when it seemed to have re-ached 
its greatest height. This event was brought about in 
consequence of a long standing difference between the 
Greek and Latin bishops, relating to several points of 
practice and disciphne, but more especially in conse- 
quence of the ambition of rival pontiffs. 

Apostacies to tlie Saracen religion took place in con- 
siderable numbers, and yet during this period the Gospel 
was disseminated, and in some instances by very pious 
missionaries, among the Moesians, Bulgarians, Sclavoui- 
ans, Russians, Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, and several 
other nations and tribes. 



116 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VI. 



PERIOD VZ. 

THE PERIOD OF THE CRUSADES 

EXTENDS FROM THE 

FIRST CRUSADE, 




1095 years A. C. to the Founding of the TurkisI 
Empire, 1299 years A. C The length ofthi 
period is 204 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD VI. 

This period presents to us six principal events 

First, the Commencement of the Crusades tc 
the Holy Land : 

Second, the Signing of Magna Charta, by 
John, king of Flngland : 

Third, the Termination of the Saracen Em- 
pire: 



FIRST CRUSADE, 1095, TO FOUNDING T.E. 1299 117 

Fourth, the Recovery of Constantinople, by 
the Greeks : 

Fifth, the Conquest of China, under the Mo- 
gul Tartars : 

Sixth, the Expulsion of the English from 
Scotland, under William Wallace. 

This period, in addition to the g-eneral darkness of the 
middle ag-es, was marked by some peculiar characteris- 
tics, as the passion for pilgrimages, the exploits of chival- 
ry, and the production of romances. The lights of science 
were very rare, and barbarism and turbulence reigned 
over most of the nations. 

1 . The Commencement of the Crusades^ to the 
Holy Land, is dated 1095 years A. C. The 
Crusades were religious wars, waged by Chris- 
tian Europe, chiefly against the Turks or Ma- 
hometans, with a view to recover Palestine from 
their hands. There were five expeditions of the 
kind, which, during two centuries, drained from 
Europe most of its life- blood, and treasures. 
They failed entirely as to their ultimate object, 
though some of their results w^ere important. 

The Turks, or Turcomans, a race of Tartars, having, 
in. 1055, taken Bagdat, and thus overturned the empire of 
the caliphs, came into possession of the countries which 
these caliphs had governed, and the caliphs themselves, 
instead of temporal monarchs, became sovereign pontics 
of the mahometan faith. Palestine and Jerusalem were, 
of course, under the sway of the Turks and their religion. 

In this situation of things, the resort of pilgrims, to the 
tomb of our Saviour, was necessarily rendered vexatious 
to them — a circumstance, in those superstitious times, of 
sufficient magnitude to arouse all Europe for the deliver- 
ance of Jerusalem from the infidels. The Roman pon- 
tiffs were principal instigators of these desperate adven- 
tures. 

In the first crusade, an army of 80,000 men, led by Pe- 
ter, the hermit, was destroyed ; but the army that follow- 



118 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VI. 

ed, coQsistiDg of several hundred thousands, under God- 
frey, had the good fortune to conquer Syria and Palestine, 
which they held for several years. The crusaders, how- 
ever, weakened their power, by dividing their conquests 
into four separate stales 

In this situation, they found it necessary to solicit aid 
fron) Europe, and accordingly another crusade, in 114t), 
set out from the West, amounting to 200,000 men, under 
Hugh, brother to the French king. But these met with 
the same fate which attended the army of Peter. An* 
other army of 300,000 soon followed, and were soon dissi- 
pated and destroyed. 

In the mean time, the infidels, under Saladin, had re- 
covered Palestine from the christians. Europe feit the 
indignity, and France, England, and Germany, each sent 
forth an army, headed by its own sovereign. On the lion- 
hearted Richard I. ol England, the weight of the contest 
at I'?ngth rested, and he defeated the illustrious Saladin, 
on the plains of Ascaion. 

Richard, however, was at length obliged to escape from 
the East, since hunger and fatigue had so greatly reduced 
his army, that he was unable to retain his conquests. The 
fourth crusade, in 1202, was directed not against the infi- 
dels, but against the Greek empire. Constantinople was 
taken, and held by the crusaders, consisting of the French 
and Venetians, for a number of years. The result we 
shall soon learn. 

The object of the fifth crusade, was to lay waste Egypt, 
in revenge for an attack on Palestine, by its sultan. Tnis 
expedition was like the rest, ruinous in the end. The 
crusades are, by some, thought to have benefited Europe 
on the whole. But neither their benefits nor their disad- 
vantages can here be detailed. 

2. The Signing of Magna Ckarta, hy John^ 
king of England^ took place on the 19th oil 
June, 1213. This Charter is the foundation and 
bulwark of ICnglish liberty. It was yielded to 
the nation through the importunity and firmness 
of the barons. jc 

John had made the pope his enemy, by appropriating, to h 
his own purposes, some of the treasures of tiie churchy jc 



FIRST CRUSADE, TO FOUNDING T.E. 1 299 A. C. 119 

and he met the lull extent of the papal vengeance. At 
first obstinate, he was fiually intimidated into submission, 
and, after several personal concessions, he agreed to hold 
his kingdom tributary to the holy see. 

His subjects thus trampled upon and sold, felt it neces- 
sary to vindicate their rights. The barons assembled, 
and bmding themselves by an oath, to a concert of mea- 
sures, demanded, from the king, a ratification of a charter 
of priviiegres, granted by Henry I. 

John refused till resort was had to the sword. That 
produced a compliance, and at Runymede, at the time 
above mentioned, he signed that famous charter, which 
ha*, had so propitious an effect on the liberty of the En- 
glish, and ihrongh them, on that of several other states 
and nnirons since 

3. The Termination of the Saracen Empire, 
is dated from the taking of Bagdat, by the Tar- 
tars, 1258 years A. C. The Tartars were led by 
Halaku, their general : and after the capture of 
the city, which contained immense treasures, he 
gave it up to his troops, to be pillaged seven 
days. Mostasem, the last of the caliphs, was 
put to death. 

The later Ci;ii,jhs,in the decline of the Saracen empire, 
were not the warlike sovereigns, which their predecessors 
had been. They thought only of securing their ease and 
pleasure. Mostasem exceeded all the caliphs in ostenta- 
tion and pride. 

When he appeared in public, he usually wore a veil, 
the more effectually to attract the respect of the people, 
whom he considered as unworthy to look at him. On 
those occasions, nothing could exceed the eagerness of the 
multitude, to see him, by crowding the streets, and hiring 
the windows and balcoiiies, at the most exorbitant prices. 

Mostasem was deceived by his visier, and accordingly 
made a very inefficient attempt to oppose the enemy. Ha- 
laku, having made a few assaults, became master of the 
city ; and taking the luxurious caiiph, and confining him 
in a leather sack, dragged him about the streets of the 
city, till he expired. 



1^0 ClmONOLOGY-^-PERIOD VI. 

4. The Becovcry of Constantinople, by the 
Greeks, was accomplished under Michael Pa- 
laeologus, 1261 years A. C. It iuid been taken 
by the French and Venetian crusaders about j 
60 years before, and governed, in the mean time, \ 
by their own sovereigns. The Greek emperors 
established a distinct sovereignty in Asica, at 
some distance from Constantinoj)le. 

The Latin empire of ConsJanlinople, is (o be consider- 
ed as fixed to that city, and circuinscribed within a great- 
tr or less extent, according- to the successes or reverses of 
the Greeks, Turks, and Bulg^atians, and even tlie Latins, 
who assailed it in all quarters. 

The first emperor among the conquerors of Constanti-i 
nople, was Baldwin, count of Flanders, and llainauh. — 
The last of their emperors was also one of the same name, 
in his rei<^n, the former and ancient sovercij^ns of Con 
stantinople determined to retake the seat of the empire. 

Faloeologus possessed the requisite ambition [lis de 
sii^-ns were promoled by the Genoese, the rivals of th( 
V< n«>lians. The Latins had been p-fadiTally driven frori 
thoir l-.'.si f)Osye.-isim)s h\ Thraee ; and a{ a time when tb< 
bravest of the Freu<ij and Venetians were absent from 
the city, a g-eueral of Pala^ologus advanced in the nigh. 
to its gates. 

Jle succeeded in entering it, partly by a subterranea 
passage into the heart of the city. Baldwin, in dismaj 
escaping to the sea shore, was conveyed to Italy, an 
spent the remainder of his life in vainly attempting t 
rouse the Catholic powers, to join in his restoration. 

5. The Conquest oj China, under the Mogi 
7ar/<7r5, was completed 1280 years A. C. i 
considerable portion of it had been previous! 
brought into subjection, by Gengiskan, the ce 
ebrated conqueror. His fourth son, Kubla; 
took possession of his conquests in that countr 
and became the first emperor of a new dynast. 

The extent and ceieiity of the Mogul conquests, ha I 



FIRST CRUSADE, 1095, TO FOUNDING T. E. 1299 121 

rarely been equalled in history. In the beg-ioning' of the 
J3th century, Gengiskao overran India, China, Persia, 
and Asiatic Russia. Kublay entered on his conquests in 
China, bringing the rest of the country into subjection. 

The nephew aud the three sons of Li-tsoiig, in succes- 
sion, were the last sovereigns of the 19th dynasty of Chi- 
nese emperors. With this dynasty, ended, in fact, the 
Chinese dominion. 

Kublay had the wisdom and prudence to govern the Chi- 
nese according to their ancient laws anj customs; and 
by his equity and justice, by his love and regard to learn- 
ed men, and by his fatherly tenderness to all his subjects, 
he found a must effectual way of reconciling them to his 
government. , 

The descendants of these Mogul conquerois of China, 
reign, in that country, at the present time. 

6. The Expulsion of the English from Scot- 
land, under William Wallace, 1 29G years A. C. 
was a remarkable instance of heroism. Wal- 
lace was joined by a few patriots at first, but his 
su^ccesses, at length, brought large numbers to 
his standard. At Stirling he utterly defeated 
the English forces, and compelled them' to eva- 
cuate the kingdom. 

Edward I., of England, had invaded Scotland with an 
immense force, and compelled Baliol, the Scottish king, 
to abdicate the-throne. In this crisis of affairs, William 
Wallace, a hero, took up arms in behalf of his country. 
His successes were remarkable. Victory succeeded to 
victory. 

While Edward was absent, and engag-ed in war on the 
continent, Wallace attacked his troops, in a desperate en- 
gagement on the banks of the Forth, and obtained a com- 
plete victory. Tne English evacuated Scotland for a 
short time. 

The disaffection of the Scottish nobles, who envied 

Wallace his distinction as Governor of the country, under 

Baliol, exposed them to the attack of the English again. 

After a fruitless resistance, the Scots submitted to Ed- 

U 



122 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VI. 

ward, and the heroic Wallace was eventually betrayed 
and put to death, in a most cruel manner. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD VI. 

1 . A belard, a scholastic divine. 

2. Walter de Mapes, a poet, the Anacreon 
of the 1 2th century. 

3. Gengiskaji, a Mogul, conqueror of Asia. 

4. Matthew Paris, an early English histo- 
rian. 

5. Roger Bacon, an eminent English pliilo- 
sopher. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VI. 

1. The characteristic ignorance of this period, was re- 
lieved, in part, by the dawn of literature in England, un- 
der Henry, of Huntingdon. JeoftVey, of Monmouth, John, 
of Salisbury, William, of Malmesbury, and a few others. 
Roger Bacon, an original genius and scholar, and the 
glory of the English nation, also, appeared during the lat- 
ter part of this period. To him the advancement of sci- 
ence, in subsequent limes, is singularly indebted. 

The barbarism and subtleties of the schools, however, 
triumphed over better principles, and a more correct 
taste. The great teachers and patterns of dialectics and 
scholastic divinity, were characterized by tbehigh-souud- 
ing epithets of divine, (m^eliccU. irrefragable, &c. The 
unenlightened state of the public mind, is evident from 
the amusements of the common people, which were ro- 
mances, riddles, and marvellous tales and legends, in 
which giants, enchanters, and wizards conspicuously fig- 
ured. 

Knight erranty attained its acme at the period of the 
crusades. These afforded the means and the incentives 
of adventure and military distinction. JPoetry and ro- 
mance lent their aid to adorn and illustrate exploits of, 
this nature. A species of extemporaneous poetry produ-" 
ced and recited by the troubadours, was in high demand in 
these times. 

2. Commerce and manufactures were very considera- 
bly advanced in Europe, during this period. The mari- 



FIRST CRUSADE, TO FOUNDING T.E. 1299 A. C. 123 

time cities of Italy profited greatly by the crusades. In- 
deed, the Italians were by far the most commercial people 
in Europe, in the 12th and 13th century. Their mer- 
chants were the factors of all the European nations, and 
were induced, by immunities granted to them, to settle ia 
France, Spain, Germany, and England. 

The only trade in these last named countries, except 
England, was carried on at stated fairs and markets, which 
were tl»e resort of traders from every quarter. These 
paid a tax to the sovereign of the territory. Venice set 
the first example of a national bank. 

About the end of the I2th century, commerce began to 
spread towards the north of Europe. Trade was carried 
on between the sea-ports on the Baltic, and France, Bri- 
tain, and the Meditterranean. The league of the Hanse 
towns^ so called, was a confederacy of most of the north- 
ern sea- ports, to protect their trade from piracy. This 
was an association of great strength and importance. 

The Britons early engaged in trade, and in the begin- 
ning of the I2th century the woollen manufacture of Eng- 
land was considerable, and very much encouraged by gov- 
ernment. 

3. Religion, during this period, continued in that low 
state, to which it had fallen, in some of the preceding pe- 
riods. The church was corrupted in an awful degree. 
The iniquitous and abominable inquisition was established 
about this time, by pope Innocent III. 

He was led to it by having appointed a holy commission, 
with power to try and punish the Albigenses, who were 
deemed heretics. This enterprize was marked by the 
most atrocious cruelties. The benefits of the holy com- 
mission were judged to be so great, that it became, from 
that time, a permanent establishment. 

The religious spirit of the times was manifested, chief- 
ly, by the passion for pilgrimages, and the c-usades ; but 
genuine Christianity had nothing to do with these super- 
stitions and wild adventures. The conversion of pagans 
was a much nobler attempt, and this continued to engage 
the minds of a few pious belifvers. 

Christianity was prooagated in Pomerinia, in the island 
of Rugen, aniong the Finlanders, and the Sclavonians, by 
the labors of missionaries. Forcible and unjustifiable 



124 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VII. 

measures were, however, taken to convert the Prussians, 
and the inhabitants of Livonia. They were compelled, 
by force of arms, to receive baptis^m. This iniquitous 
procedure was dictated by the popes. 

In Spain, Christianity gradually g-ained ground. The 
Saracen princes were continually opposed, by the kings 
of Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Arrngon, and defeated. 
In consequence of this contest, the pale of the church 
was extended on every side. Christianity was, also, with 
some success, propagated by the Nestorian christians in 
the .East, particularly on the borders of Calthay. 



PERIOD vn. 

THE PERIOD OF THE PAPAL SCHISM, 

EXTENDS TROM THE FOUNDING OF THE 

TURKISH EMPIRE, 




1299 years A. C. to the Taking of Constantino- 
pie 1453 years A. C. The length oj this period 
is 154 years. 



pti 

i$ 154 years 



Px\PAL SCHISM TO TURKISH EMPIRE 1453 A. C. 125 
IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD VII. 

The principal events included within this pe- 
riod are Six. 

First, the Founding of the Turkish Empire : 

Second, the Establishment of the Swiss Re- 
publics : 

Third, the Battle of Poictiers : 

Fourth, the Schism of the double popes at 
Rome and Avignon : 

Fifth, the Taking of Bajazet, prisoner by Ta- 
merlane : 

Sixth, the Recovery of France from the pow- 
er of the English. 

The dark ages continued until towards the conclusioa 
of this period, when a concurrence of circumstances aus- 
picious to the development of the human intellect, dispel- 
led the darkness which had so long hung over the moral 
and literary world. 

1 . The Founding of the Turkish Empire^ was 
connected w^th very important consequences in 
the history of the world, more particularly in 
regard to the ^Greek empire, which it at length 
superseded.?^ This event is dated 1299 years A. 
C. and took place under Ottoman, or Othoman 
the first Sultan. 

The Huns and Turks who were the descendants of the 
Scythians or Tartars had established themselves some 
centuries before in a tract of Asia called Georgia or Tur- 
oomania. 

They became Mahometans ; and in 1037 seized Persia, 
and ravaged the neighboring countries, making them- 
selves masters of Palestine. The insults which the Chris- 
tian pilgrims received from them led to the Crusades^ 
which we have already mentioned. 

Ottoman, to whom the Ottoman empire owes its name 
and establishment, was a caliph or prince of the Turks. 



126 CHRONOLOGT PERIOD VII. 

Seizing- on Bythinia, he fixed the seat of his gorernineDl 
at Byrsa and assumed the title of Sultan. From this 
time they were known as the Ottoman race and sove- 
reignty. 

By degrees they encroached on the borders of the 
Greek empire, and were prevented from subverting it at 
an early stage, only by the necessity of defending them- 
selves against the victorious Tamerlane. 

2. Tke Establishment of the Swiss Republics 
in 1307 A. C. was occasioned by the tyrannical 
conduct of Albert, emperor of Germany. The 
Swiss iiaving petitioned him against certain op- 
pressions of his governors, he, in resentment, in- 
creased their burdens, which provoked a revolt, 
and ended in the expulsion of the Auslrians. 
The several cantons associated for their com- 
mon defence. 

Switzerland was the Helvetia of the Romans, and was 
conquered by Julius Caesar. Its natural strength loft its 
inhabitants under but liule more than a nominal subjec- 
tion to Ihe successors of the Roman Empire. 

It was at the time of their emancipation, that William 
Tell refused to make obeisance to Gesler's cup, for which 
he was ordered to be hanged, unless he shot an arrow 
through an apple, placed at a distance on his own Son's 
head. He succeeded in the painful exploit. 

Three of the cantons only first combined to assert their 
freedom, and a small army of 400 or 500 men defeated an 
immense host of the Austrians in the pass of Morgate, 
J315. The rest of thecanlons by degrees joined the as- 
sociation. Their liberty cost them 60 pitched battles. 

3. The Battle of Poictiers on Sept. 19, 1356 
years A. C. w^as gained by Edward the black 
prince over John king of France. The latter 
w^as taken captive, and led in triumph to Lon- 
don. His army, consisting of 60,000 men much 
exceeded that of the English- 

reward ni. father of the black prince, had, for some 



T. EMPIRE, 1299, TO CONSTANTINOPLE, 1453. 127 

years preceding, pursued a career of victory over the 
French, having* gained the famous battle of Cressy, in 
1348. He had taken Calais which the English had held 
more than two centuries. 

The black prince, who was so called from the color of 
his armor, followed in the steps of his father. The vic- 
tory of Poictiers has immortalized his name. The Eng- 
lish successes, however, were more honorable, than ser- 
viceable to the nation. The French vigorously prosecu- 
ted the war during the captivity of their sovereign. 

The black prince died before his father, an event which 
broke the spirits of Edward, and plunged the nation in 
grief. He was a virtuous and heroic man, and fitted to 
rule a great empire. 

4. The Schism of the double popes at Rome 
and Avignon began 1378 years A. C. continued 
38 years. These places were each a sepai ate 
seat of the popedom, made such by the opposite 
factions which prevailed in the electoral college. 
This was an occurrence which greatly distrac- 
ted the affaiis of the Church. 

By pope Clement V. the popedom was trasferred from 
Rome to Avignon, in 1309, where it remained till 1377. 
The factions of Italy were the cause of this removal. 

Three separate par ties of the French and Italian car- 
dinals, having elected three separate popes, the emperor 
Sigismund judged this division of the church, to be a fit 
occasion for his interference, to reconcile all differences, 
and establish his own supremacy. 

In 1414 he summoned a genera! council at Constance, 
and ended the dispute by deposing all the three pontiffs, 
and naming a fourth, Martin ( olonna. It was at this 
council that the celebrated John Huss, a disciple of Wick- 
liff, was tried and condemned for reputed heresy, and 
burnt alive. 

5. The taking of Bajazet prisoner hy Tamer- 
lane occurred 1402 years A. C. It was the re- 
sult of the battle of Angoria in Phrygia, in 
which Bajazet was defeated. Nearly a million 



128 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VII. 

of men fought in this battle, and 300,000 were 
slain. The victorious career of the Turks was, 
for a time, suspended by this event. 

Bajazet was r\ Turkish sultan, aod successor of Amu- 
rat. Havinj? proposed to besiege the capital of the 
Greek empire iu form, he was suddenl}' forced to defend 
bimself against Tamerlane. 

Tamerlane, or Timer- bek was a prince of the Usbck 
Tartars, and a descendant from Gengiskan. Having con- 
quered Persia and most of the East, he was invited 
by the enemies of Bajazet, to protect them against the 
Ottoman power. 

He gladly accepted the invitation, and having met the 
Turks, he totally defeated him, and made him prisoner. 
The battle of Angoria was a famous one in the annals of 
war. Bajazet was shut up in an iron cage, in which be 
destroyed himself. 

6. The Recovery of France from the power of 
the English was nearly completed, 1450 years 
A. C. This change was effected by slow de- 
grees. After a struggle of many years, the pos- 
sessions of the English, except Calais and 
Guignes were wrested from their hands. 

The English had triumphed repeatedly over the French, 
and by the battle of Agincourt particularly, they opened 
the way for the occupation of the capital itself. But 
when the heroic English king, (Henry V.) had reached 
the period of his triumphs, the French in their turn won 
the field. 

Under Charles VII. the war prospered. Joan of Arc, 
the maid of Orleans, was of signal service to the French 
cause. She raised the siege of Orleans, and defeated the 
English ; but being taken prisoner by the latter, she was 
cruelly burnt, for alleged sorcery. 

Her death however, was of service to her countrymen, 
inasmuch as it increased their aversion to the English 
dominioD, and inspirited their efforts fur freedom. 



T.EMPIRE, 1299, TO CONSTANTINOPLE, 1453. 129 
DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD VII. 

2. S"f ] '=1''^^'^ 1'^"^" P°^''- 

3. Wickliff] English theologian reformer. 

4. Froissart, entertaining French chroniclei\ 

6:CWn''S'"=^*'^''^°'' English poetry. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VII. 

1. Poetry attained, in these ages, a degree of splendor; 
yet there was little adrdncement in general literature 
and science. Miracles and fables were woven too much 
into the texture of history. Keverthtless, we find much 
curious information in the writings of Walsingham, E?e- 
rard, Duysburg, and particularly Froissart. 

But the ages of darkness were beginning to pass away. 
A taste for classical learning led to the discovery of ma- 
ny of the ancient authors. France and England howev- 
er did not, at this time, exhibit any of the taste which 
was beginning to prevail. Few books, and scarcely any 
classics were found in either of these countries. 

On the fall of the Eastern empire, an event soon to be 
mentioned, the face of things in regard to literature and 
science, was entirely changed. 

2. The invention during this period, of the Mariners' 
Compass, that of gunpowder, and especially of the art of 
printing, gave a new direction to human affairs, and will 
continue to affect the destinies of all future ages. With 
the art of printing, the revival and extension of learning 
were intimately connected. 

Fire arms were invented but a few years previous to the 
battle of Cressy, and in that battle the English are said 
to have used artillery, for the first time. 

The condition of society, and of the arts, notwithstand- 
ing these illustrious efforts of human ingenuity, was low 
in comparison with modern times. Even in the large cit- 
ies of England and France, the houses were roofed with 
thatch, and had no chimnies. 

Glass windows were almost unknown, and floors had 
only straw for covering. The luxury of linen for shirts 
could be afforded only by the most wealthy. Public rob- 
bing was almost a profession. 



130 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VII. 

3. Trade and manufactures in Europe continued t» 
make progress, during^ this period. They were particu- 
lai ly encouraged by Edward HI. of P^ngland, as appears 
by laws passed in his reign. He was bountiful in the en*- 
couragemcnt of artisans from abroad. 

In some of the succeeding reigns tJiey were lessencour- 
aged. In this interval of their decay in England, com- 
merce and the mechanical arts were encoui aged in Scot- 
land, by James I. and his successors. The rudeness and 
turbulence of the kingdom however, prevented their flou- 
rishing much. 

To Scotland the fisheries began to be a source of wealth, 
but no foreign trade was carried on by that country, till 
after the discovery of America In the south of Europe, 
and in the East, commerce flourished as usual. 

4. During this period Christianit}^ greatl}' declined in 
the East. Indeed it became almost extinct. The Turks 
and Tartars who extended their dominion with astonishiiig 
rapidity, substituted the imposture of Mahommed for the 
religion of Christ. 

Tamerlane compelled multitudes, by his cruelties, to 
apostatize from the faith. Asiatic Tartary, Mogul, Tan- 
gul, and the adjacent provinces, where Thristianity had 
long flourished, were now become the seats of superstition. 
In China some faint remains of religion as planted by the 
Nestorians were visible, but they soon entirely disappear- 
ed. 

The profession of Christianity was retained in the con- 
tracted empire of Constantinople. The violent methods 
formerly commenced, to promulgate this holy religion in 
the north of Europe, were continued durmg this period, 
and most of the pagans in those regions were, in this way, 
converted to the faith. 

The Jews, in considerable numbers, we«e campelhd to 
embrace ( hristianity. France and Germany led the way 
in this infamous and useless method of extending the in- 
fluence of a religioB, whose very nature is opposed to vio- 
lence. 



CONSTANTINOPLE TO NANTES, 1453 A. C. 131 



FERXOB VZZI. 

THE PERIOD OF THE REFORMATION 

EXTENDS FROM THE TAKING OF 

CONSTANTINOPLE, 





1553 ?/ears A. C to the Edict of Nantes, 1459 
years A. C. The length f]f this period is 145 
years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD VIII. 

The principal events of this period may be 
reduced to seven in number. 

First, the Taking of Constantinople by the 
Turks: 

Second, the Union of the Houses of A^ork 
and Lancaster, in England : 

Third, the Discovery of the continent of Ame- 
rica by Columbus : 



132 CHROKOLOGY PERIOD Vlll. 

f^ourth, the Reformation of religion in Ger- 
many by Luther : 

Fiftii, the Battle of Pavia : 

Sixth, the Commencement of the Republic 
of Holland by the union of Utrecht : 

Seventh, the Beheading of Mary, Queen of 
Scots. 

The revolution of humao affairs during this period is 
peculiarly striking". The licfht of learninj^ and rehgioQ 
illiHtriousIy broke forth. Tlje discovery of immense re- 
gions hitherto unknown, gave a prodigious spririg to hu- 
man enterprize. Events thicken upon us, as we proceed. 

1 The laking of Constantinople by the Turks, 
1453 years A. C. occasioned the extinction of 
the Eastern Empire of the Romans. This em- 
pire, from the building of its capital, had sub- 
sisted 1 1 23 years. The capture of the city was 
effected, with little dilficuky, by Mahomet the 
Great, the Turkisli sultan. 

Constantiue was the name of the last emperor of the 
East, as it was also the name of the first. His domin- 
ions had become exceedingly circumscribed. Tlie Turks 
had gradually encroached upon its borders, and Constaa- 
tinople would sooner have become the seat of the Ottoman 
power, had they not been obliged to defend themselves 
against the Tartars. 

Mahomet II. after some delay, commenced the project 
which had long engaged the attention of the Turks. The 
indolent inhabitants of Constantinople made but a feeble 
preparation for defence, and all Europe was supine and 
indifferent. 

The city was assailed both by sea anJ land — the walls 
were battered down with cannon, and all who opposed 
were massacred. Tiie emperor was slain, and the city 
soon surrendered. 

Tlie Turks forbore to destroy the imperial edifices; 
and the churches were converted into mosques The ex- 
ercise of their religion, however, was allowed to all the 



CONSTANTINOPLE, 1453, TO NANTES, 1598. 133 

christians, and they have ever since chosen their own pa- 
triarch, who is installed by the sultan. 

2. The Union of the Houses of York andLan- 
c«5/er, in England, 1485 years A. C. was an 
auspicious event to the English nation. The 
miseries of civil war between the respective par- 
tizans of York and Lancaster had long oppress- 
ed the kingdom. Henry VII. united the rights 
of both families by his marriage with a daughter 
of Edward IV. 

Richard, duke of Gloucester, had usurped the throne, 
and murdered Edward V. the reigniiip^ king, together 
with the king's brother, the duke of York. To thes'- 
youths Kicltard was both uncle and guardian. So atro 
cious a deed found an avenger in Henry, earl of Rich- 
mond. 

He was the only surviving heir of the house of Lancas- 
ter ; and, assisted by the French king, he landed in Eng- 
land, and revived the spirits of a parly almost extinguish- 
ed in the kingdom. 

He gave battle to Richard in the field of Boswortb, and 
entirely defeated the army of the usurper, who was slain, 
while fi^'-htiag with the most desperate courage. This 
event terminated the horrors of these civil dissensions. 
By marrying into the family of York, Henry united it to 
that of Lancaster. 

3. 77^6 Discovery of the Continent of America 
by Columbus^ occurred 1494 years A. C. In 
two previous voyages he had discovered several 
islands bordering on the American continent. 
In the third voyage he dicovered the continent 
itself This event has had a most important 
bearing on the affairs of the world ever since. 

Christopher Columbus was a Genoese, of an enterpri- 
zing spirit, and surprizing genius. Bent on discovery, 
he made a fruitless application to several European courts 
for assistance. At length, however, he was so fortunate 



134 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

as to engag-e Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain in his fa- 
vour. 

tinder the immediate patronage of Isabella, he was fur- 
nished with three small ships, ninety men, and a few thou- 
sand ducats for the expense of the voyage. 

After sailing twenty three days from the Canaries, with 
immense hazard and difficuly* he discovered land. This 
proved to be the island of San Salvador. Soon after he 
discovered Cuba and Kispaniola. This occurred in 1492. 

Returning soon, he accomplished another voyage, ia 
which he made further discoveries. In a third voyage he 
descried tlie continent, within ten degrees of the equator, 
towards the isthmus ofPanama. The next year Ameri- 
cus, the geographer, followed the track of Co!umbus, and 
robbed him of the honour of giving n^une to the immense 
regions he had made known to mankind. 

4. The Reformation of Religion in Germany^ 
hy Luther, may be dated 1517 years A. C. It 
was connected with a new era in the religious 
history of the world. The principles of the Re- 
formation spread rapidly through several coun- 
tries in Europe. I'he Papal religion received a 
wound which will never be healed. 

Martin Luther was an Augustine friar. ITis attention 
was excited to the corruption and abuses of the Catholic 
religion, by the sale of indulgences, at that time institu- 
ted throughout all the Christian kingdom?- of Europe. 
This enormitv aroused the indignation of Luther, and 
opened his eyes to the iniquity of the whole system. 

His anathemas found many willing hearers, particularly 
in the electorate of Saxony. The persecutions of the 
pope and catliolics only increased his zeal and indignation 
as a preacher. On being summoned by Charles V to an- 
swer for his doctrines in the diet of Worms, he defended 
himself with great spirit. 

By the aid of his friend and protector prince Frederick, 
he escaped thence into Saxony, where mass was now uni- 
versally abolished, the images destroyed, and the convents 
shut up. The spirit which had been thus kindled, spread* 
12 



CONSTANTINOPLE TO NANTES, 1453 A. C. 135 

next into Switzerland, where it produced the most impor- 
tant changes. 

Sweden* Norway and Denmark soon embraced the Lu- 
theran tenets, and the protestants, as all they were called 
who embraced the reformed religion, multiplied in France 
and England, as well as in Germany. The cruel perse- 
cutions of which the papists were guilty, greatly aided the 
reformation. 

5. The Abdication of Charles V. of Germany, 
was an uncommon instance of the relinquish- 
ment of power by a despotic sovereign. He re- 
signed first the kingdom of Spahi to his son Phi- 
Hn, 1556 years A. C. and afterwards the impe- 
rial crown in favour of his brother Ferdinand. 
The remainder of his life he spent in a monas- 
tery. 

Charles was the most powerful sovereign of Europe, 
his sway extending over Spain, Germany, and the Neth- 
erlands. He was generally successful in war, though (if 
such was his aim) universal empire was beyond his grasp. 
He never could bring his dominions into a well connect- 
ed body. 

His enemies were numerous and powerful, and gave 
him perpetual annoyance. His cares and difficulties in- 
creased as he advanced in life, and finding his health alsa 
decline, he determined to relinquish the burden of gov- 
ernment. 

Accordingly, in the plenitude of his power, be made a 
solemn and affectionate surrender of Spain and the Neth- 
erlands to his son, and soon after he formally resigned the 
empire of Germany to his brother Ferdinand, and out of 
all his immense possessions, he reserved to himself a pen- 
sion only of 100,000 crowns, to be deducted from the rev- 
enue of Spain. 

In the monastery of St. Just, in Spain, he passed two 
peaceful years in company w^ith twelve domestics, and 
died in the 59th year of his age. 

6 . The Commencement ofth e Repu hlic of Hol- 
land hij the Union of Utrecht, is dated January 



136 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

23cl, 1 579 years A. C. The states united to de- 
fend their common hberties, on account of the 
tyranny of their sovereign, Phihp IT. Seven out 
of the seventeen provinces, constituting the 
Netherlands, came into the measure. The re- 
maining ten provinces- had their charter renew- 
ed by Phihp. 

The Reformation had made considerable progress in 
the Netherlands. Philip, with a view to repress it, es- 
tablislied the inquisition, and projected certain innova- 
tions which created alarm and tumult. The consequence 
of his machinations was, that many thousands of persons 
perished by the hands of the executioner. 

The Prince of Orange having raised an army, and re- 
duced some of the most important garrisons, was pro- 
claimed Sladtholder of Holland and Zealand in 1570. 
The whole seventeen provinces had equally suffered from 
the tyranny of Philip ; but only seven of them could agree 
to form a confederated republic. The influence of jea- 
lousy and competition prevented the union of the whole. 

By the treaty which was formed, it was agreed that 
they should defend their liberties as one united republic; 
that they should jointly decide in the concerns of peace 
and war, establish a general legislative authority, and 
maintain religious freedom. William, prince of Orange, 
was elected Stadtholder — a title which included the du- 
ties of a ereneral, admiral and magistrate. 

7. The Beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots , 
was an act of cruelty on the part of her cousin, 
Queen Elizabeth, which has fixed an indelible 
stain on the character of Elizabeth. Mary fled 
to England for protection from her enemies, was 
there thrown into prison, and being presumed to 
have formed a conspiracy against Elizabeth, 
was tried and brought to the block, Feb. 8th, 
1587years A. C. 

Mjry had early incurred the suspicion and ill-will of 
the English queen, and after a coarse of misfortunes, 



CONSTANTINOPLE TO NANTES, 1453 A. C. 137 

doubtless brought upon her by her indiscretions, if not 
crimes, she sought refuge in England. This circum- 
stance comported well with the schemes of Elizabeth. 

She now had a hated rival in her power; and under 
pretence of doin^ justice to Mary, had the cause of the 
latter examined into, at a conference at York. Nothing 
however was proved against her, but Elizabeth saw fit to 
detain her in close confinement, in Tilbury castle. 

During her imprisonment, which was long and tedious, 
she naturally desired herself, and her friends for her, a 
release. For a plot to effect this object, devised by her 
friends, and detected, she was held answerable, and 
though an independent sovereign, was tried. 

Presumed only to be guilty, she was condemned, and 
removed to Fotheringay castle ; she was soon after bar- 
barously beheaded, in the 45th year of her age, and the 
19th of her captivity. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD VIII. 

1. Columbus^ an eminent navigator, and dis- 
coverer of America. 

2. Raphael^ and > Masters of painting among 

3. M. A7igelo, I the moderns. 

4. Erasmus, a Dutchman, eminent in philo- 
sophy and general literature. 

5. Copernicus^ a Prussian astronomer, and dis- 
coverer of the true system of the universe. 

7.' ci? I^-Minent reformers. 
8. Tflsso, prince of the Italian poets. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD VIII. 
1. Literature, at the commencement ot this period, 
sprang into new life. Classical learning, criticism, poet- 
ry "knd history, made a rapid progress in most of the king- 
doms of Europe. The dispersion of the Greeks, upon the 
fall of Constantinople, difi'used a taste for polite literature 
throughout the West. 

Dramatic composition began to be regular towards the 
conclusion of this period, feome finished epics were pro- 



138 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD VIII. 

diiced by the Italians, particularly the Orlando Furioso 
of Arioslo, and the Gerusalem Delivered of Tasso. 

Lyric poetry was cultivated in Italy, France and Eng- 
land, but not with so much success. History began to 
be written with considerable spirit and judgment. Ma- 
chiavel particularly excelled in this department of com- 
position. 

Science and philosophy did not al first keep pace with 
literature. Aristotle ruled over the schools till the 17th 
century, and had even modified the doctrines of theology. 
The dominion of this truly great man over the human 
mind was, however, destined soon to be broken by the 
great Bacon, lord Verulani. 

2. The fine arts past suddenly from obscurity to splen- 
dour. Sculpture aud painting were at tlieir lowest ebb, 
in the middle ages. They revived a little in the 13th and 
14th centuries. A few painters there were who imitated 
nature with some fidelity, but they were altogether desti- 
tute of grace or elegance. 

Towards the end of the 1 5th century, however, Raphael 
carried the art of painting to perfection. The master-pie- 
ces of antiquity were his model. Others of great distinc- 
tion, particularly M. Angelo and Titian, flourished under 
a succession of enlightened pontiffs. 

Italy most excelled in the art of painting, but Germa- 
ny, Flanders and Switzerland were not undistinguished. 
The most eminent of the schools were those of Rome, 
Florence, Lombardy and Flanders. These several schools 
were characterized by peculiar attributes, which it is 
here unnecessary to describe. 

3. Commerce and manufactures received a vast im- 
pulse from the discoveries of foreign regions, made dur- 
ing this period. The Portuguese led tlie v/zy in this no- 
ble enterprize. In 14'2011ie> discovered the island of Ma- 
deira ; and soon after Columbus had discovered the Nev7 
^Vorld, they doubled the Cape of Good Hope, under Vas- 
co de Gama, thus finding a passage to the Indies 

The elFect of these discoveries on the commerce of Eu- 
rope was wonder tul. Manufactures were aUo propor- 
tionally advanced. Wealth flowed in upon the great 
marts of the West and North. Lisbon, Bordeaux, Ant- 
werp and Amsterdam were peculiarly distinguished. 



CONSTANTINOPLE, 1453, TO NAJ.TES, 1593. 139 

After these events, however, the Venetians lost their 
influence as a commercial people. They made an at- 
tempt to cut through the isthmus of Suez, but tliis failing, 
they endeavoured to interrupt the commerce ofthePortu- 
guese, by their fleets stationed at the mouth of the Red Sea 
and Persian Gulph. 

The Portuguese however, were not to be diverted or 
driven from their purpose, and they were every where 
victorious. In the space of half a century, they were 
masters of the whole trade of the Indian Ocean, and of a 
larfi:e extent of territory in the East. 

The British were by no means inactive in these times. 
The causes which operated in producing- a commercial 
spirit among thetn, were peculiarly powerful, and have 
ever since continued so to be. The Reformation had a 
very favourable effect in this respect among the inhabit- 
ants of Britain. 

Henry VII. gave the most liberal encouragement to 
trade and manufactures, particularly the woollen, by in- 
viting foreign artists into his dominions. From about that 
period, the commerce and manufactures of the British 
isles have .been uniformly progressive. 

4. During this period, the face of the Christian world 
was changed. The thick darkness, which had overspread 
it, had begun to be dispelled, by the revival of litera- 
ture and philosophy ; but at the glorious era of the Re- 
formation, the light of moral and religious truth shone 
forth wjth renewed lustre, and produced the most impor- 
tant effects. 

Christianity, however, was not extensively propagated 
during this period, among distant nations. The attention 
of the European world was too much absorbed in the dis- 
putes which were carried on between the Reformists and 
Papists, to embark in so god-like an enterprize. 

Still the Protestant princes did something in this work. 
It is certain that, in 1556, fourteen missionaries were sent 
from Geneva to convert the Americans, although it is not 
known, by whom this design was promoted, or with what 
success it was attended. The English, also, sentcoloaies 
into the northern parts of America, by which the Chris- 
tian faith was gradually extended among the aborigines. 
Much more, however, was attempted by the Papists, 



140 



CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 



though from very corrupt motives. The progress of the 
Reformation, in Europe, cutting off their hopes in that 
quarter, they turned their attention to unenlightened na- 
tions. In the execution of this design, the celebrated so- 
ciety of Jesuits was established. 

Large numbers of this society, under the sole direction 
of the pope, were employed in the conversion of the Afri- 
can, American, and Indian heathens. Francis Zavier 
was the most eminent among this order of men, and exe- 
cuted his mission to the Indies with singular zeal and suc- 
cess. 



PERIOD ZX. 

THE PERIOD OF THE ENGLISH COM- 
MONWEALTH, 

EXTENDS FROM THE 

EDICT OF NANTES, 




1598 years A. C to the Death of Charles 12/^, 
of Sweden^ 1718 years A . C. This period is 
120 years in length. 



EJDICT OF NANTES, 1598, TO CHARLES 12, 1718 141 
IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD IX. 

The principal events to be noticed in this pe- 
riod, are eight in number. 

First, the Edict of iVantes : 

Second, the Enghsh settlemehts in North 
America : 

Third, the Union of the Protestant princes, 
against the emperor of Germany : 

Fourth, the Revolution in China, by the Tar- 
tars : 

Fifth, the Restoration of Monarchy in Eng- 
land : 

Sixth, the League of Augsburgh against 
France : 

Seventh, the Successes of the Duke of Marl- 
borough against the French : 

Eighth, the Battle of Pultowa. 

We come to an era in which the human mind put forth 
its mightiest efforts, and in which the foundation was laid 
for the improvements that have since been made in sci- 
ence, philosophy, literature, and the useful arts. The im- 
portant events of this, and the subsequent period, are 
very numerous. They can only be hinted at. Voltaire 
remarks, that " the long-esl life would not suffice for a per- 
son only to read the hist rical works composed in Europe, 
relating to the events of the 17th century.'* 

1. The Edict of Nantes, tolerating the Pro- 
testant religion in France, was granted by Hen- 
ry 4th, 1598 years A. C. This celebrated de- 
cree was the dictate of a wise and benevolent 
policy, and destroyed the germs of sedition in 
that country. It continued in force till the time 
of Louis 14th, when that prince very unwisely 
revoked it, in 1685. 

Henry was educated a protestant ; but with a view to 



142 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

conciliate his Catholic suhjects, he abjtired the protestant 
relig-ion, and embraced papacy. This important measure 
was highly displeasing to his protestant subjects, and had 
but a weak tendency to conciliate the esteem of the ca- 
tholics. 

It was not until after several years, both of war and ne- 
gotiation, that he gained the whole of his kingdom. — 
Among the most efficacious of the means he employed, 
and in which his fortitude and magnanimity, and his gra- 
titude to his former friends and defenders were conspicu- 
ous, was the Edict of Nantes, by which he granted, to 
all his subjects, ^ull liberty of conscience. 

During the minority of Louis 14th, however, this edict 
was revoked by cardinal Mazarine, since which time, the 
protestantshave often been cruelly persecuted in France. 

2. The English Settlements, in North Ameri- 
ca, became effectual and permanent, 1607 years 
A. C. The settlement, first formed, was at 
Jamestown, in Virginia. Thirteen years after- 
wards, a colony of Enghsh puritans landed at 
Plymouth, and began the settlement of New- 
England. These and other English settlements 
in iNorth America, are extremely important 
from their connexion with the civil and rehgious 
liberty of mankind. 

it was near'ly a century after the discovery of the North- 
ern portion of the American contment, by Cabot, before 
the English made any attempts to colonize the country. 
The first project, of tliis kind, was undertaken by Sir 
Walter Raleigh, but it proved unsuccessful. 

Under the patent of James I. of England, a Company, 
called the London Company, sent Christopher Newport 
to Virginia, with 105 persons, to settle the island Roanoke. 
By stress of weather, however, they were driven north 
of their place of destination, and entered Chesapeake 
Bay. Here, up a river, which they called James river, 
they commenced the settlement of Jamestown. 

The first settlement in the northern district, (for Vir- 
ginia was divided into northern and southern Virginia) 



EDICT OF NANTES, TO CHARLES 12, 1718 A. C. 143' 

was made in 1620. A number of puritans, having, a few 
years before, left England, to free themselves from a per- 
secuting hierarchy, and found an asylum in i Holland, set 
sail for America, which they reached on the 22d of De- 
cember, in the above named year. 

Other parts of the country were soon settled in succes- 
sion, and out of these colonies, through many wars and 
perils, grew at length the United States of America 

3. The Union of the Protestant Princes,, 
against the Emperor of Germany^ was formed 
1726 years A. C. It owed its origin to the in- 
fluence of cardinal Richelieu, who was anxious 
to humble the Austrian greatness. As the de- 
struction of the protestant religion was the em- 
peror's obj ct, the protestants naturally took the 
alarm. The ambition of the emperor, induced 
even the Catholics of France to embark in the 
cause of humbhng him. 

Richelieu, the French minister, with a daring object in 
view, excited the public inquietude, at the manifestTition 
of Ferdinand's ambitious projects. Encouraged by some 
successes in war, Ferdinand no longer dissembled his de- 
sign of suppressing protestantism, and extinguishing the 
liberties of the German empire. 

Richelieu's plans were attended with complete success. 
The Protestants and Catholics, laying aside their theolo- 
gical disputes, conspired together for the diminution of 
Ferdinand's power ; the courts of France and England 
embarked in the same cause ; the Danes, also, took up 
arms, and Gustavus, king of Sweden, rushed, like a tor- 
rent, upon Germany. 

The protestant interest, which had been declining ia 
Germany, now began to prosper. Guatavus completely- 
humbled the emperor ; and though the former was slain 
in the battle of Lutzen, the war was successfully prose- 
cuted by the Swedish generals. 

In the succeeding reign of Ferdinand III. the German 
protestants continued to receive supports, both from the 
Swedes and French. The peace of Westphalia was con- 



144 CHRONOLOGY... .PERIOD IX. 

cluJed in 1648, the provisions of which were so salutary, 
that they lair! the foundation of tfcie future prosperity of 
the German empire. 

4. The Bevolution in Chinct^ hy the Tartars^ 
occurred 1641 years A. C During a war with 
the eastern Tartars, a rebel dethroned the em- 
peror; upon which, the Chinese general made 
peace with Tson-gate, the Tartar prince, and 
invited him to assist in punishing the rebel. — 
Tson-gate, however, seized on the Chinese 
throne for himself; and it has ever since remain- 
ed in his family- 

The Chinese had quietly submitted to the Tartar de- 
scendants of Gengiskan, diiring- eig-ht successive mon- 
archs ; but the chatarter of the ninth was so odious, that 
a rebellion was excited, which ended in the expulsion of 
the Tartars, and the re-establishrnent of their own princes 
during- 276 years. 

At the end of this term, the event occurred, whicli we 
have noticed above. The emperor shut himself up in his 
palace, and after putting to u^;ath all his family, conclu- 
ded the tragedy, by hanc^inff himself. 

The last emperor, Kien-Song-, an amiable and wise 
prince, reigned 63 years, and was succeeded by Ka-hing 
the present emperor ; who reigns over his people in peace, 
and does not disturb his neighbors by his ambition or in- 
terference. 

5. The Restoration of Monarchy^ in Eng- 
land, 1660 years A. C. was an event rendered 
agreeable to the English nation, from their hav- 
ing suffered so much by the civil commotions 
which preceded it. During eleven years, the 
functions of royalty ceased ; the government 
changed from a monarchy to a republic, though 
during the greatest part of that period, the exe- 
cutive authority was usurped by Oliver Crom- 
weM. 



EDICTOF NANTES, 1598, TO CHARLES 12, 1718. 145 

Charles I. quarrelJed with the parliament, and attempt- 
ed to raise money without their sanction, contrary to the 
rights of the people. These and other tyrannical, and 
unconstitutional measures, led to a civil war, which com- 
menced in 1642; and Charles was tried and condemned 
for high treason, and beheaded before Whitehall, Janua- 
ry 30, 1649. 

Within a little more than four years after a republican 
form of government was established, under the directioQ 
of parliament, the army wrested the power out of their 
hands. Cromwell, who had the command of the army, 
assumed the supreme authority for eight years, under the 
title of Lord Protector. 

On the death of this extraordinary man, his son Rich- 
ard succeeded to the protectorship ; but being destitute 
of ambition, he could not retain it. By means of general 
Monk, at this crisis, Charles II., son of Charles 1., was 
restored, May 29, 1660. The character of Charles was 
not, however, in the highest degree favorable to the hap- 
piness of his people, though his reign was an era of taste 
and genius. 

6. The League of Augsburg, against France, 
1686 years A. C. was brought about by William, 
prince of Orange, the inveterate enemy of Louis 
1 4th, As a consequence of this, war was wa- 
ged against France by Germany, Spain, Eng- 
land and Holland. The French arms were, 
however, for some time successful. 

The ascendency of France, under the celebrated Louis 
14th, had been long feared. His war with Hoiiand had 
betrayed his ambition. The splendor of his designs could 
not but excite the envy or jealousy of his neighbors, 
though his glory is greatly tarnished by the revocation of 
the edict of Nantes, by which he lost more than 500,000 
of his best subjects. 

Victory attended his standard against the leaguers. — 
Luxemburg defeated the prince of Orange in the battles 
of Steenkirk and Norvvinden ; Noailles was victorious in 
Spain ; and an army of 100,000 French ravaged the Pala- 
tinate, and took many ot the most important towns on the 
13 



146 CHRONOLOGY — ^PERIOD X. 

RliiDe. This was the era of bis glory. Sad reverses 
were in reserve for him. 

His extensive military enterprizes had been attended 
with enormous expenses. The finances had fallen into 
disorder, and the persevering efforts of bis enemies oblig- 
ed him to conclude the peace of Kyswick in 1697. The 
war, however, was soon renewed. 

7. The Successes of the Duke of Marlborough, 
ogamst the Frfnch, weakened, essentially, the 
power of Louis 14th, and teiniinaled in the fa- 
vorable peace of Utrecht. Marlborough first 
distinguished himself, in his victorious career, 
in the battle of Blenheim, 1704 years A. C. 
With him was associated Prince Eugene, the 
commander of the Imperial forces. 

V^ ith the avowed object of putting the house of Austria 
in possession of the throne of Spain, war was declared 
against France and Spain, by England, Holland, and the 
empire. Louis had passed his prime, and lost his greatest 
ministers and generals; while the armies of his enemies 
were commanded by the ablest generals of the age, and 
supported by the treasures of tlie united powers. 

The war was carried on with manifest advantage on the 
part of the allies. The battle of Blenheim cost the 
French :20,000 men. By land and bv sea the allies were 
victorious. Marlborougli gained, besides the battle of 
Blenheim, those of RanuIies,Oudenarde, and IVlalplaquet. 
One or two victories, on the part of the French and Span- 
ish, prevented Philip, king of Spain, from abandoning his 
possessions in Europe. 

Louis sued for peace, and even proposed very humilia- 
ting terms ; but as they were rejected, and the inhuman 
condition of dethroning his grandson, Philip, was insisted 
on, he made one more despenite eiFortin battle, in which 
he was so far successful as to preserve Philip on the 
throne. 

The change in queen Anne*s cabinet, gave facility to 
propositions for peace, in which the English and Dutch 
secured many valuable acquisitions. 

8. The Battle of Pultowa, which was gained 



EDICTOF NANTES, 1 598, TO CHARLES 12, 1718. 147 

by Peter the Great, over Charles 12th, of Swe- 
den, was fought June 30, 1709 years A. C. 
This battle decided the fate of Russia, Sweden, 
and Poland. The army of Charles was nearly 
all destroyed. Here he was effectually check- 
ed in that career of conquest which alarmed 
all Europe. 

Charles 12th, of Sweden, was one of the bravest and 
most excentric of mankind. His dominions were atf pok- 
ed on three sides, by Russia Poland, and Denmark ; and 
he, although then only a boy of 17 years, successively took 
the field against these powers, and signally defeated them. 
Poland he humbled in the dust. 

A negotiation having been begun by the czar, Charles 
abruptly terminated it, and declared that he would nego- 
tiate only at Moscow. The rigor of a Russian winter, 
prepared his army for the defeat which it so terribly re- 
ceived at Pultowa 

Augustus, whom Charles had previously deposed, wias 
restored to the throne of Poland, and the czar took pos- 
session of Finlq^pd and Livonia. Charles fled into the 
Turkish dominions, where his conduct seemed the result 
of phrenzy, rather than that of a calculating warrior. 
DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD IX. 

1. Gallileo, an Italian, distinguished for his 
discoveries in Mathematics and Astronomy. 

2. Shakespeare^ the greatest of dramatic 
poets. 

3. Cervantes, a Spaniard, the celebrated au- 
thor of Don Quixotte. 

4. Bacon, Lord Verulam, English philoso- 
pher, an universal genius. 

5. Grotius, a Dutch writer of various and 
profound learning. 

6. Pascal, an eminent French philosopher 
and theologian. 



148 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

7. Milton, the greatest of epic poets anioiig 
the moderns. 

8. Corneille, the prince of the French drama- 
tic poets. 

9. Dryden, an eminent EngUsh poet. 

10. Locke, the greatest among the Enghsh 
metaphysicians. 

1 1 . Leibnitz, an acute German philosopher 
and mathematician. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD IX. 

1. The most profound researches were made in sci- 
ence, philosophy, and. literature, during" this period. The 
period, as such, is distinguished for inventive genius, ori- 
ginality of thought, depth of investigation, and solid ac- 
quisitions. 

If we include Addison and Newton, who flourished dur- 
ing this period, but died near the beginning of the next, 
Tve are presented with an array of genius and learning, 
probably not equalled in the history of the world hitherto. 

Philosophy had been tramelled by th^ schools, till the 
beginning of the 1 7th century, when Bacon disenthralled 
the human mind, and taught the sure method of advanc- 
ing knowledge, by experiment and the observation of na- 
ture. 

The progress of philosophy was not, however, rapid at 
first. ■^Tuch of theorizing and conjecture remained, even 
in Gassendi and Des Cartes. Newton, however, arose, 
towards the conclusion of this period, and completely dis- 
pelled the illusions with which youth had been infatuated 
for more than 2000 years. Numerous were the produc- 
tions of taste and genius in all the departments of litera- 
ture. Shakespeare, Milton, and Addison, in England ; and 
Corneille, Racine, and Pascal, in France ;. produced works 
which will be as lasting as the languages in which they 
are written. 

2. The fine arts continued to be cultivated with success 
during this period. The old school of painting, with Ra- 
phael and Angeloat their head, it cannot be expected will 
ever be surpassed, in the essential perfections of the art. 

Belonging to that school, under the former part of the 



EDICT OP NANTES, 1 598, TO CHARLES 1 2, 1 7 1 8. 1 49 

present period, were Albano, Guercbino, Guido, Poussin, 
Rembrandt, Rubens, and other eminent painters. 

The art of engraving on mezzotinto, which has enlarg- 
ed the dominion of the fine arts, was an invention of this 
period. Prince Rupert, in 1650, was its author. It is 
characterized by a softness equal to that of the pencil. 

Many inventions connected with the advancement of 
the sciences, are dated from this era ; as for instance, the 
thermometer, the air pump, the barometer, the microme- 
ter, &c. 

The useful and mechanic arts, also, were greatly mul- 
tiplied during the period under review. Hundreds of con- 
veniences and luxuries, which were unknown to antiqui- 
ty, sprung into use ; though many others, which distin- 
guish modern times, owe their origin to one or two of the 
preceding periods. 

3. The spirit of commerce and navigation was greatly 
excited and fanned in the 17th century. Connected with 
this, was the spirit of adventure and settlement in distant 
regions, particularly those of the American continent. 
Almost every considerable part of this continent was 
colonized during this, and tlie latter part of the preceding 
period. 

The central and southern parts of the Atlantic coast of 
America, were all settled within the compass of the 1 7th 
century. The fathers of the United States were gener- 
ally, driven to those regions by the persecutions which 
more or less then prevailed in Europe, on account of reli- 
gion. 

The circumnavigators of the globe, during this era, 
were among the English; Cowley, Dampier, and Cooke ; 
among the Dutch, Le Mairc and Tasman ; among the 
iapaoish, Quiros. 

4. Much was done to advance the interest of religion 
in the form in which it is professed by the Catholics, 
though it was done generally in a very unjustifiable man- 
ner, especially by the Jesuits. In 1622, was founded at 
Rome, the celebrated College '' De progapanda fide," 
which was endowed with the most ample revenues. 

Other institutions of a similar kind were also founded ; 
and from them, a great number of missionaries were seni 
forth, to different parts of the world, to propagate the Ro- 
man faith. The religious orders which chiefly distinguish 
13* 



150 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD IX. 

ed themselves in these missions were the Jesuits, the Do- 
minicans, the Franciscans, and the Capuchins. 

Many of the protestant princes, from their peculiar sit- 
uation,'could do but little in spreading the Gospel. The 
English and Dutch, who were more favorably situated, 
made some eflScient and successful attempts. The puri- 
tans, who settled New-England, not only carried Chris- 
tianity into their own societies, but propagated it with 
some success among the Indians. Mayhew, Shepard, and 
Elliott, particularly the last, distinguished themselves in 
this most benevolent enterprize. 

The efforts of the Dutch were successfully directed to 
the islands of Ceylon and Formosa, the coast of Malabar 
and other Asiatic settlements, which they had acquired or 
conquered. No sooner, also, were they settled in the In- 
dies, than they found the means of converting numbers of 
the Hindoos to the Christian faith. 



CHARLES XII. 1718, TO BOURBONS, 1815. 161 

PERIOD X. 

THE PERIOD OF THE AMERICAN AND 
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, 

EXTENDS FROM THE DEATH OP 

CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN, 




1718 years A.C. to the final Restoration of the 
Bourbons^ 1815 years A. C The extent of 
this period is 97 years. 

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN PERIOD X. 

We select during this period nine principal 
events. 

First, the Death of Charles XII. of Sweden : 

Second, the Conquest of the Mogul empire 
by Kouli-Kan : 

Third, the Confederacy of Russia, Austria 
and France against Frederick the Great, of 
Prussia : ^ 



152 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

Fourth, the Dismemberment of Poland by 
Russia, Prussia and Austria : 

Fifth, the Declaration of Independence by 
the United States of America : 

Sixth, the Execution of Louis XVI. king of 
France : 

Seventh, the Crowning of Napoleon emperor 
of France : 

Eighth, the Burning of Moscow : 

Ninth, the Battle of Waterloo. 

The events of this period are singularly important, as 
connected with the establishment and progress ofcivil 
and religious liberty, and free institutions. The moral 
improvement of man, and the diffusion of true religion in 
the world, may be expected to advance more and more, 
with the means which have been put in operation for so 
important an end. The future is unknown to us, but it 
seems to teem with great events. 

1. The Death of Charles XIL of Sweden, 
which occurred Dec. 11th, 1718, was apparent- 
ly a benefit to Sweden, and to Europe generally. 
Sweden gained a reformation of her govern- 
ment, and Europe was saved from the ravages 
which his ambition would have made. In be- 
sieging a Norwegian fortress, he was killed by 
a cannon ball. 

The czar and the king of Denmark ravaged Sweden, 
while Charles remained in Turkey. Returning in dis- 
guise, he immediately conceived the design of wresting 
Norway from Denmark. This he soon abandoned, iu 
consequence of failing in the outset. 

A project was then formed, in which the czar united 
with him, of dethroning George II. and of placing the 
pretender James on the throne of Britain. The death of 
Charles frustrated the plah, and saved Europe from con- 
fusion and blood. * 

ilfter the death of this madman, (so Charles has been 

♦ 



CHARLES XII. 1718, TO BOURBONS, 1 815. 153 

called) the arbitrary power of the Swedish sovereigns ex- 
perienced a salutary limitation, and the states made peace 
with all the hostile powers. 

2. The Conquest of the Mogul Empire by 
Kouli Kan, took place 1 739 years A. C. It was 
not however a complete conquest The empire 
was so far ruined, that after that period, the 
viceroys ceased to obey the authority of the 
Mogul ; and India fell an easy prey to the Eng- 
lish East-India Company. In taking Delhi, 
the capital of India, Kouli Kan acquired im- 
mense wealth, and committed the most horrible 
excesses. 

Konli Kan, previously to his invasion of India, had usur- 
ped the throne of Persia. The posterity of Tamerlane, 
who established themselves in that country, had beea 
supplanted by the Sophia family, the last of whom was 
dethroned by Kouli Kan, who was his general. This oc- 
curred in 1735. 

Invading- India in 1739, every obstacle disappeared be- 
fore him, and soon reaching Delhi, he took possession of 
it, with all its treasures. Upon some provocation he recei- 
ved, he delivered the city to the fury of his soldiers. la 
about seven hours, 120,000 of the citizens were butchered. 

Before his return into Persia, 200,000 of the inhabit- 
ants had perished by his sword, and the loss sustained by 
the Mogul, in jewels, treasures, &c, amounted to 125 
millions sterling, more than half which Kouli Kan and his 
soldiers carried away. 

This nr\onster took the title of emperor of the Indies, 
and returning into Persia, he attempted to change the 
religion, and strangled all the priests; after which, in 
self-defence, he was murdered in his tent by his own offi- 
cers, in 1747. 

3. The Confederacy of Russia, Austria and 
France, against Frederick the Great of Prussia, 
was formed. 17 56 years A. C. This is called 
the " seven years' war," during which Frede- 



154 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

•rick maintained his giound against his powerful 
enemies, sometimes conquering, and sometimes 
conquered. This was an extremely sanguina- 
ry contest. 

The ambition and military spirit of the Prussian mon- 
arch had become sufficiently manifest by the manner in 
which he had wrested Silesia from Austria, to excite the 
alarm of the neighbouring states. Accordingly Russia, 
Austria and France concluded a treaty of defensive alli- 
ance against him. 

The success of the war was various. Frederick gain- 
ed several important battles, but he lost several also, and 
his affairs at length became so critical, from his diminish- 
ing resources, and increasing enemies, that he began to 
act solely on the defensive. The death of the Russian 
empress, however, at this time, relieved him in a great 
measure. 

Her successor made peace with the Prussian king, and 
being joined by the Russian troops, with whose help he 
oblained an important victory, he was enabled to secure 
an honourable peace with ail the powers with which he 
had been at war. The glory which Frederick acquired 
from this protracted contest, was a trifling compeDsatioD 
to his subjects for their sufFerings. 

4. The Dismemberment of Poland by Riissia, 
Prussia and Austria, 1772 years A. C. has been 
stigmatized as one of the most unprincipled acts 
recorded in history. The greatest part of Po- 
land was at that time divided among these pow- 
ers. In 1795 they secured the remainder of it, 
and thus Poland was erased from the list of na- 
tions. 

Frederick of Prussia is said to have been the prime 
mover of this infamous measure. Of the claims set up 
for Poland, that of Frederick, it has been asserted, was 
best founded. But of three such claims it is ditficult to 
determine which was best, or rather which was most ini- 
quitous. 

Stanislaus-Augustus, who had been elected by the in- 



tHARLES XII. 1718, TO BOURBONS, 1815. 155 

tervention of Russia, was, at this time, on the throne of 
Poland. He was obliged, much against his wishes, to as- 
sent to the dismemberment of his dominions, and to give 
the act the form of legislative sanction. 

Russia, Prussia and Austria, completing their great po- 
litical crime in 1795, by seizing on the remaining part of 
Poland, and expunging it from among independent na- 
tions, have since enjoyed the fruits of their robbery. At 
the Congress held at Vienna in 18I5, part of Poland was 
united to the Russian empire, with the preservation of its 
own constitution ; and on this event, Alexander, empe- 
ror of Russia, assumed the title of king of Poland. 

5. The Declaration of Independence hy the 
United States of America, was made on the 4th 
of July, 1776 years A. C. This measure, which 
w^as so auspicious to the interests of the United 
States, was forced upon them by the injustice 
and oppressions of the mother country. The 
act was passed by the Continental Congress, 
assembled at Philadelphia, and by the people 
was supported with such spirit and success, 
that it was at length acknowledged by the na- 
tions of Europe. 

1 be causes of disagreement between the Colonies and 
Great-Britain cannot here be recited. They related 
principally to the subject of revenue and taxation, m 
which the former conceived themselves to be unjustly 
and injuriously treated. 

Opposition being made by the colonies to the acts of 
the British Parliament on this subject, troops were sent 
to America to enforce submission to the laws. Hostili- 
ties of course commenced. The first blood was spilt at 
Lexington, Massj^chusetts, 19th of April, 1775. 

Previously to the Declaration of Independence, Con- 
gress had appointed George WashixNgton Commander 
in Chief of the American armies, under whose virtue, 
talents and bravery, the United States succeeded in the 
arduous struggle for liberty. 

In the height of the contest, France acknowledged the 



156 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

independence of the States, and broug-ht aid to their 
cause. In 178J, a definitive treaty of peace was conclu- 
ded, by which his Dritannic Majesty ackoowiedged the 
same. 

In 1789, the government of these States was organized, 
conformably to the Federal Constitution, and Washing- 
ton was inaugurated the First President. With the ex- 
ception of one war between the United States and Great- 
Britain since, the former have enjoyed a bright period of 
peace, happiness and prosperity. 

6. The Execution of Louis XFI. King of 
France^ constituted a momentous part of the 
French revolution. It took place 1793 years 
A. C. on the 21st of January, and followed the 
abolition of monarchy in France. Louis, after 
being long detained as a state prisoner, and un- 
dergoing a mock trial, was brought under the 
guillotine, to the astonishment of all Europe. 

With a view to retrieve his finances, Louis called aNa- 
tional Assembly, which claimed more liberty than he 
ciiose to grant The consequence of this was, that the 
Bastiie was demolished, and a new constitution establish- 
ed on the basis of the equal rights of man. 

In 1790 the King swore to maintain the constitution ; 
but the next year he fled from Paris. In 1792, France 
was invaded by the Prussians and Austrians, to restore 
the king. They were repelled. After the execution of 
Louis, all the kings in Europe leagued against France, 
and a most tragical external and internal war took place, 
in which the French performed prodigies of valour. 

A form of government was afterwards settled by the 
Convention; but the powers of Europe being still io 
league against France, and the new government being 
unsuccessful in the field, the executive power was, ia 
1799, vested in three consuls, of whom the first was Napo- 
leon Bonaparte. 

The energy of the government was by this means re- 
stored, and Bonaparte, as head of the nation, under the 
title of First Consul, having gained the victory of Maren- 
go, in Italy, forced Austria to conclude the treaty of 



CHARLES XII. I7I85 TO BOURBONS, 1815. 15? 

Luneville in Feb. 1801 ; and concluded the treaty of 
Amiens with England in October of that year; thus re- 
storing" peace, for a short ti(ne, to all Europe. 

7. The Crowning of Napoleon Emperor of 
France^ took place 1804 \. C. It was per- 
formed by the Pope. The next year he was 
crowned king of Italy. These and other mani- 
festations of his ambition, excited the disquiet- 
ude of Europe, and were the occasion of renew- 
ed and desolating wars His successes put it 
into his power to dispose of several European 
kingdoms, and to make his four brothers kings. 

The peace of Amiens lasted buthttlelong'er than one year. 
Great-Britain, Russia and Austria, confederated against 
the French emperor, with a view to restore the balance 
of power in Europe. The English met with success on 
the ocean, Lord Nelson entirely defeating the combined 
fleets of France and Spain at Trafalgar. 

Bonaparte, however, was entirely successful on land. 
He routed the Austrians and Russians with a terrible 
slaughter at Austerlitz. Pursuing his conquests with un- 
exampled rapidity, he almost annihilated the power of 
Prussia by the celebrated battle of Jena He gained al- 
so the battles of Eylau and Friedland over the Russians, 
and forced them to sue for peace. 

The French emperor was now master of all France, 
Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Holland, and the 
greater part of Germany. One of his brothers he made 
king of Holland, another of Naples, and a third of West- 
phalia. He soon projected the conquest of Spain, and 
placed a fourth brother on the throne of that country. 

In this project, however, he was not successful. He 
sent his generals into Spain, and though at first victori- 
ous, they were at length beaten, and driven from the 
country. In this contest, the English, under the Duke 
of Wellington, distinguished themselves. 

8. The Burning of Moscow^ the ancient capi- 
tal of Russia, was the work of its patriotic in- 
habitants, who sought by this means the de- 

14 



158 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. ' 

struction of their French invaders. It was 
completely successful. The French, being de- | 
prived of winter quarters, were obliged to com- \ \ 
mence a precipitate and ruinous retreat. The 
burning of Moscow took place in the month of' 
September, 1812 A. C. 

1q 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia with an army of 
500,000 veterans, commanded by able and experienced 
generals. This was the first step of his downfall. The 
Russians foug-ht with the most obstinate courage, though j 
they lost several battles. , 

Moscow was taken by the French, but they took it a 
pile of ruins. Three quarters of it, its inhabitants had 1 
burnt to the ground. Its stores and provisions were de- 
stroyed, and the French had no other alternative, than to 
remain there without quarters, and without food, or to 
retreat. 

They chose the latter ; and history, it is believed, does 
not record so great a disaster, or more appalling scene of 
suffering. The exasperated inhabitants, but more espe- 
cially the rigours of cold and liunger, almost totally anni- 
hilated an army which presented the proudest array of hu- 
man strength, that ever one man led to battle. 

According to the Russian statement, the French, in 
their invasion of Russia, lost, in killed, more than 200,000 
— in prisoners, nearly 240,000 — in cannon taken, 1 131 
pieces — in muskets, 100,000— in ammunition waggons, 
27,000 — in colours and standards, 63 pairs. 

9. The Battle of Waterloo decided the fate of 
France and of Europe. It was fought on the 
18th of June, 1815 A. C. The French force, 
led by Napoleon in person, consisted of 150,000 
men — that of the English and Prussians united, 
of 1 70,000. The English were commanded by 
the Duke of Wellington — the Prussians by 
Prince Blucher. With this event ended the dy- 
nasty oi Napoleon. 

The disasters of the campaign in 1812 united Great- 



CHARLES XII. 1718, TO BOURBONS, 1815. 159 

Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden, with a 
view to dethrone Bonaparte, and restore liberty to the 
conquered states. Bonaparte was at first successful, but 
losing- the battle of Leipsic, the allies poured in upon 
France from the north, while Wellington invaded it from 
the south. 

In this situation of things, he renounced the throne of 
France and Italy, and was permitted to retire to the isl- 
and of Elba. In the mean time the family of the Bour- 
bons returned to France, and Louis XVIII. was placed 
on the throne. 

Bonaparte, however, soon quitting Elba, landed in 
France, and, the whole army flocking to his standard, he 
entered Paris in triumph, the royal family fleeing before 
him. This occurrence brought the allies again to act, 
and the consequence was, the victory of Waterloo. 

Louis was again placed on the throne, and Bonaparte, 
delivering himself up to the English, was sent to the isl- 
and of St. Helena, where he died Majch 5th, 1821. Eu- 
rope has since enjoyed peace, with the exception of the 
struggle which the heroic Greeks have been making for 
their liberties, and the invasion of Spain by the French, 
in furtherance of the views of the infamous misnamed 
holy alliance, formed between Russia, Austria, Prussia 
and France, against the progress of free institutions. 
DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD X. 

1. Marlborongh, an English duke, and an ac- 
complished and successful warrior. 

2. Addison, an elegant English essayist and 
poet. 

3. Newton, a most profound mathematician 
and philosopher. 

4. Pope, an eminent Enghsh poet. 

5'. Linnmis^ a Swede, the father of botany. 

6. Chatham, a distinguished statesman and 
orator. 

7. Johnson, an eminent lexicographer, critic, 
and essayist. 



160 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

8. Franklin^ an American, a distinguished 
electrician and philosopher. 

9. Washington^ an eminent stateman and 
warrior, and father of the American republic. 

10. Co7vper^ a celebrated English poet. 

11. M. ae Siael. a learned and accomplished 
French female writer. 

1 2. Napoleon^ a renowned warrior, conqueror 
and statesman. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS ON PERIOD X. 

1. The present period is perhaps less distinguished than 
the preceding, for profound attainments, and original 
works in science and literature. This arises rather from 
the force of circumstances, Ihan from any other cause. 
Most subjects of human investigation had been forestal- 
led ; yet the improvements which have been made, JQ 
every department of knowledge, have been great. 

Discoveries have not been wanting, and where the 
genius of former ages has not exhausted research, re- 
search has been made. Within this period some sciences 
have been created, and others have been greatly advan- 
ced. By a course of observation, agreeably to the Ba- 
conian philosophy-, the great principles of chemistry, min- 
eralogy, electricity, geology, &c. have been fixed on si 
firm basis. 

2. The fine ?.rts have been cultivated with much suc- 
cess during this period. Painters and sculptors have re- 
ceived a patronage worthy of their merits. West in 
painting, and Canova m sculpture, are nnmes destined to 
immortality. American talent has been conspicuous in 
the former art. 

3. In the mechanic arts, and in improvements by which 
the conveniences and comforts of life are extended and 
multiplied, this period has probably exceeded any other. 
The numerous inventions which are designed to aid the 
various branches of manufactures, and the application of 
the power of steam to the same and many other objects, 
are the glo^y of the age. 

It is calculated that in England alone, stt the present 



CHARLES XII. 1718, TO BOURBONS, 1815. 161 

time, the steam engines in use represent the power of 
320,000 horses, equal to that of 1 ,920,000 men, which be- 
ing in fact managed b}? 3600 only, adds actually to (he 
power of the population 1,884,000 men, 

4. Commerce and navigation have made rapid advan- 
ces during the last and present century. Of many na- 
tions, the wealth and power consists essentially in their 
means and facilities for maritime war^and for navigation. 

Great-Britain, with her 1000 armed vessels, has long 
ruled the ocean, and made her power to be felt on every 
shore, and on every country accessible by water. By 
means of the wealth derived from her amazing commerce, 
she was enabled to subsidize almost all Europe at one 
time against the power of Napoleon. 

The growing navy and immense commerce of the Uni- 
ted States of America have given them a consideration of 
the highest importance among other nations, and enable 
them almost to compete with Britain herself, on her own 
element. 

The application of steam to the purposes of navigation, 
forms an era in its history. The Americans first made 
the application, and the power of steam is now extensive- 
ly employed in propelling vessels on rivers and inland 
seas, both in Europe and America. 

5. The establishment and progress of free institutions 
have also marked the period under review. The inde- 
pendence of the American States forms an era in the his- 
tory of the political world; and it has generated a spirit 
among the nations which, sooner or later, will crumble 
into dust every fabric of tyranny. 

The efforts of the Holy Alliance can not always keep 
this spirit down. Light is in its nature progressive, and 
light has begun to shine. France, during her revolution, 
and Spain, more recently, were unhappy in their efforts ; 
circumstances were not in their favour. But Greece 
still maintains her heroic and lofty struggle, and Mexico 
and the South American States are free. 

6. Christianity and its heavenly influences have, on the 
whole, been more visible during this period, than during 
several that preceded it. This has been the fruit of the 
Beformation. Much has been the vice and flagitiousness 
of the reformed nations— much has been Iheir unbelief; 

14* 



162 CHRONOLOGY PERIOD X. 

and at one time the reign of infidelity seemed almost uni- 
versal, but its reign was ephemeral. 

Ji better spirit has succeeded it, and for the last thirtj^ 
years the Gospel has enjoyed peculiar triumphs in revi- 
vals of religion, and in the propagation of its tenets 
among the heathen tribes. Many islands of the sea have 
been evangelized, and some portions of benighted Asia 
and Africa. Civilization has followed in the train of Chris- 
lianity. 



QUESTIONS. 



These questions only relate to those parts of the work 
which are in larger type; the teacher can make his ex- 
amination more minute, by adding such inteorrogatories 
respecting the matter in smaller type^ as he chooses. 

How may Chronology be divided ? 
What is the extent of ancient chronology ? 
What is the extent of the^rs^, (^second, third, &c.) 
period, and for what is it distinguished ? 
Repeat this question on every period. 

PERIOD Z. 

How many principal events are included in this 
first period 1 What are they 1 

Repeat these questions on every period. 

1. What length of time did the work of creation 
occupy ? What appointment did God make respect- 
ing the seventh day 1 When did creation commence 1 

2. Where is contained the account of the fall of 
man ? When did it probably take place 1 

3. What was one of the first fruits of the apos- 
tacy 1 When did Cain murder Abel ? On what ac- 
count did he murder him 1 

4. Why was the deluge predicted to Noah ? When 
was this prediction communicated 1 For what pur- 
pose was the deluge threatened l 

5. What distinguished characters were there in 
this period ] 

Repeat this question on every period. 



164 CHRONOLOOr. 

PERIOD ZZ. 

1. How much of the globe did the deluge cover 1 
What was the destruction occasioned by it ] When 
did it occur ? 

2. When was the Tower of Babel built ? Where 
was it commenced 1 What divine judgment ensued 1 

3. When and by whom was the Assyrian empire 
founded 1 What is said of the separate state of the 
Assyrian and Babylonian empires, and what of their 
union 1 

4. When was the first dynasty of the Chinese 
emperors established ? What was it called, and how 
many succeeded it ? 

6. Who founded the kingdom of Egypt, and when 
was it founded 1 What did Menes do ? 

PERIOD III. 

1. What was the object of the calling of Abra- 
ham ? What is the date of this event 1 

2. Why were Sodom and GomOrrah destroyed ? 
When did this event occur ? Who interceded for 
them '? 

3. With what event was the arrival of Inachus in 
Greece connected 1 When did he arrive there ? 

4. What was the occasion of the Selling of Jo- 
seph 1 How did God overrule it ? What is the date 
of this event 1 

5. By whom were the Israelites persecuted 1 
When did their persecution commence ? What end 
was in view in this persecution ? 

PERIOD IV. 

1 . When and by whom was Athens founded ^ 
With what was this event connected 1 

2. In what manner did the Israelites retreat from 



(iUESTIONS. 165 

Egypt l When did this event take place 1 With 
what was it connected ? 

3. When and by whom were letters introduced 
into Greece ? What was the effect produced 1 

4. What was the first foreign enterprize of the 
Greeks 1 By whom was it conducted 1 What was 
its destination ? 

6. When was Troy taken by the Greeks 1 What 
was the length of the siege ? What is said of this 
enterprize ? 

6. When was monarchy established among the 
IsraeUtes 1 What was the occasion of their change 
of government ? 

pehzod v. 

1. When was Solomon's temple dedicated ? By 
whom and in whose presence was this dedication 
performed 1 

2. What is said of the introduction of Homer's 
poems into Greece ? When were they introduced ? 

3. When did Lycurgus reform the republic of 
Lacedemon ? What means were employed in this 
reformation ? W^hat was the result 7 

4. When and by whom was the kingdom of Mace- 
don founded 1 What was its character at first ? 

6. When did Dido build Carthage 1 What do 
we know of its early history 1 What of its later ? 

6. When did Jonah preach to the Ninevites ? 
What was the object of his preaching 1 

PERIOD VX 

1. When and by whom was Rome founded ? 
With what was this event connected ? With what 
description of persons was Rome first peopled 1 

2. What was the consequence of the carryino- 



166 CHRONOLOGY 

away of the ten tribes of Israel ? When did thia 
event occur ? * 

3. What length of time intervened between the 
destruction of Samaria, and the taking of Jerusalem 1 
When and by whom was Jerusalem taken 7 

4. What terminated the Babylonian empire ? 
How was Babylonia afterwards situated 1 When did 
this event happen 7 

5. By what means were the Jews restored from 
their captivity 1 Who permitted their return ? When 
did this event take place 1 

6. What occasioned the abolition of the regal 
government at Rome 7 When did this event happen ? 
Who were the chief agents in this transaction ? 

PERIOD VIZ. 

1. Between what powers was the battle of Mara- 
thon fought ? Who were defeated ? Who led the 
respective armies ? When did this event occur ?' 

2. What is said of the destruction of Leonidas 
and his band ? What force did Leonidas resist ? 
What is the date of this event ? 

3. When was Cincinnatus dictator of Rome ? 
How long did he hold this office ? What did he ac- 
complish ? 

4. What is said of the retreat of the 10,000 
Greeks ? When did it take place ? By whom was 
it conducted and described ? 

5. When did the Gauls take Rome ? Who was 
their leader ? What was the issue of their enter- 
prize ? 

6. When did the war between Thebes and Spar> 
ta commence ? What is said of this occurrence ? 

PSZRODVZXZ. 

1. When was the battle of Cheronea fought? 



QUESTIONS. 167 

What was the result of it ? What was the interest 
at stake ? 

2. When did Alexander overthrow the Persian 
empire ? How long had it subsisted ? In what bat- 
tle was its fate decided ? 

3. When did the partition of the Macedonian em- 
pire take place ? Who made this partition ? 

4. When was Pyrrhus defeated by the Romans ? 
What was the consequence of this event ? 

6. When did the first Punic war commence ? 
What is said of it ? 

6. When did the second Punic war commence ? 
Who begun this war ? Who led the Carthagenians ? 

7. What event followed soon after the conclusion 
of the second Punic war ? When did the kingdom 
of Macedon, and the independence of Greece be- 
come extinct ? 

PERIOD ZX. 

1. When was Cartha^^e destroyed ? How were 
the Carthagenians treated ? 

2. By whom was Jugurtha defeated ? How ma- 
ny of the Numidian army were slain ? What be- 
came of Jugurtha ? 

3. When did the Mithridatic war commence ? 
In what did it end ? 

4. When did the civil war between Marius and 
Sylla commence ? What is said of these men ? 
What was the consequence of the war between 
them? 

6. What is the date of the Dictatorship of Sylla ? 
What course did he pursue ? What was the effect 
on Rome ? 



168 CHRONOLOGY. 

PERIOD Z. 

1. When was Jerusalem taken by Pompey ? With 
what was this event connected ? 

2. By whom was Cicero banished from Rome ? 
What was the pretence for this measure ? When 
did it take place ? 

3. When did Cresar invade Britain ? What was 
his success ? 

4. By whom was the battle of Pharsalia gained ? 
When was it fought ? What took place in regard to 
Pompey and Caesar afterwards ? 

5. When was Caesar assassinated ? Who assas- 
sinated him, and for what was he assassinated ? 

6. When was the battle of Philippi fought ? 
Who gained that battle ? What was the effect of it ? 

7. When did the battle of Actium, and the end of 
the Roman commonwealth take place ? Between 
what forces was the battle fought ? What was tlie 
consequence in regard to Octavius ? 



QUESTIONS 

ON 

MODERN CHRONOLOGY. 

What is the extent of modern chronology ? 
Into how many periods may it be divided ? 
What is the extent of the first, {second, third, &c.) 
period, and for what is it distinguished ? 
Repeat this question on every period. 

PERIOD I. 

How many principal events are included in the 
first period ? What are they ? 



QUESTIONS. ni 

the East ? By what means did she assume it ? How 
long did she retain it ] 

PERIOD V. 

1. At what time, and by whom, was Charlemagne 
crowned at Rome 1 Did he restore the Roman Em- 
pire to its former prosperity ? How did he fail here- 
in? 

2. When was the Saxon Heptarchy united ? When 
did the kingdom of England properly commence 1 
How many separate sovereignties became united ? 

3. When did John Zimisces begin to reign 1 By 
what was his reign signalized 1 

4. When did Wilham the Conqueror land in Brit- 
ain ? What followed his landing ? 

PERIOD in. 

1. What is the date of the Crusades 1 What were 
the crusades ? How many were there ? What was 
their success 1 

2. When did John sign the Magna Charta ? What 
was the use of this charter ? By what means was it 
obtained ? 

3. When did the Saracen empire terminate ? In 
what way did it terminate 1 What became of the last 
of the cahphs ? 

4v When did the Greeks recover Constantinople ? 
Brwhom and how long had it been held in captivi- 
ty V In the mean time, where did the Greek empe- 
rors retire 1 

6. When did the Mogul Tartars complete the con- 
quest of China 1 Who had subjugated a considera- 
ble portion of it before ? 

6, What feat did Wilham Wallace perform ? When 



172 CHRONOLOGY. 

did he perform it ? At Sterling what took place be- 
tween him and the English ? 

PERIOD vn. 

1. How was the Greek empire affected by the 
Turks ? When did they found their empire 1 Who 
was the first sultan ? 

2. What gave rise to the establishment of the 
Swiss republics ? When did this event take place ? 

3. When was the battle of Poictiers? Who gained 
it, and what happened to John, king of France ? 

4. When did the schism of the double popes be- 
gin ? How long did it continue ? From what arose 
so singular a state of things ? 

6. When did Tamerlane take Bajazet prisoner ? 
Of what battle was this the result ? How many men 
fought in this battle ? 

6. When did the French recover from the English 
power ? How was this change effected ? 

PEXUOD VXZZ. 

1. What put an end to the Eastern Empire of the 
Romans ? How long had it subsisted ? Who was the 
leader of the Turks on this occasion ? 

2. What was the effect of the union of the houses 
of York and Lancaster 1 How did Henry VH. unite 
the rights of both families ? 

3. When did Columbus discover the continent of 
America ? What did he discover previously to this ? 
Of what importance was the discovery of America 1 

4. When and where did the reformation in reU- 
gion begin ? What was its progress ? How did it af- 
fect papacy ? 

5. What is said of Charles, and his abdication ? 



QUESTIONS. 173 

When and to whom did he resign his dominions ? 
What became of him ? 

6. When did the repubUc of Holland commence ? 
What forced the states to unite ? How many pro- 
vinces were concerned in this measure ? 

7. How is the character of Queen Eiizabeth af- 
fected by her conduct towards Mary ? When and 
how was Mary deprived of her life ? 

PEHZOD IZ. 

1. What is the date of the edict of Nantes ? What 
was the character of this edict ? How long did it 
continue in force ? 

2. When were permanent English settlements 
made in North America ? Which was the first settle- 
ment ? Which was the next ? Of what importance 
were they ? 

3. When did the protestant princes unite against 
the emperor of Germany ? To whose influence was 
this junction owing ? What was its object ? 

4. When did the Tartars revolutionize China ? 
Give an account of this event. 

5. When was monarchy restored in England? 
How was it received by the nation ? How long was 
the royal power suspended ? Who usurped the su- 
preme authority ? 

6. What is the date of the League of Augsburg ? 
Who brought it about ? What was a consequence of 
this measure ? 

7. What was the effect of Majlborough's succes- 
ses in France ? When did Marlborough first distin- 
guish himself ? 

8. When was the battle of Pultowa fought ? What 
was its effect ? 

15* 



1 74 CHRONOLOGY. 

PEHZOD X. 

1. When occurred the death of Charles XII. ? 
What consequences resulted from it ? How did he 
die? 

2. When did Kouli Kan conquer the Mogul em- 
pire ? Was it an entire conquest ? What is said con- 
cerning his taking of Delhi ? 

3. When did Russia, Austria and France confed- 
erate against Frederick the Great ? How did Fred- 
crick stand his ground ? Was this a very bloody con- 
test ? 

4. When and by what powers was Poland dis- 
membered ? What is the character of that act ? 

6, When did the United States of America de- • 
clare their independence ? What drove them to this 
act ? How was it at length received by the nations 
of Europe ? 

6. What was a signal event in the French revolu- 
tion ^ When was Louis executed ? What followed 
his execution ? 

7. When was Napoleon crowned Emperor of 
France ? When King of Italy ? What was the con- 
sequence of this and other manifestations of his am- 
bition ? What was his success 1 

8. Who burnt Moscow ? What effect did it pro- 
duce on the French ? What is the date of this event ? 

9. What effect did the battle of Waterloo pro- 
duce ? When was it fought ? What forces were en- 
gaged, and who commanded them ? 



ADVERTISEMENT. 
HISTORY 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES. 

By Rev. C. A. Goodrich. 

On a New Plaji, particularly adapted to Youth, 
and calculated to render the study inter' 
esting, at the same time that the 
subject is strongly impress- 
ed on the memory, 

0^ This work is recommended to Parents, 
and Teachers, as one of the best School Books 
in use. It has received the sanction of the first 
Teachers, and is beUeved to merit an introduc- 
tion into every School and Family in the Uni- 
ted States- 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

AN OUTLINE 

OF 

BIBLE HISTORY, 

WITH 

NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS; 

Adapted to the minds of Youth.. ..Designed for 

Sabbath and other Schools.... 

With Engravings. 



OCT This work is recommended by the Con- 
necticut Spectator — the Rehgious Intelligen- 
cer — the Christian Secretary — the Boston Re- 
corder and Telegraph, and other papers — and 
by several eminent persons, as a work of very 
distinguished merit. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



New and Interesting School Books. 

IN PREPARATION, 

A SERIES OF HISTORIES, FOR THE USE 
OF SCHOOLS, 

On a plan calculated at once to enliven the study, 
while the subject is deeply stamped on the mind and 
memory of the pupil. It is confidently believed that 
these works will be far superior to any ^chool Books 
on History, yet offered to the public. They are all 
constructed on a new plan, and will be entitled, 

BLAIR'S OUTLINES OF HISTORY. 

The following are in hand, and will appear soon: 

1. Outlines of Ancient History. 

3. Outlines of Modern History. 

3. Outlines of the History oi Greece, 

4. Outlines of Ecclesiastical History. 

The Histories of Rome, of England, and France, 
will be added to the Series. 

0:;;7= The attention of Teachers is particularly in- 
vited to these Works, when they shall appear, as it 
is believed they are written on an excellent plan, 
and are better adapted, in thought, style, and ar- 
rangement, to the minds of youth, than any works 
extant. 

The great aim, in these Works, is to attain a just 
medium between too much extension on one hand, 
and too great an abridgement of them, on the other. 
By presenting too much to the memory of the pu- 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

pit, little or nothing is retained; by presenting^a 
mere skeleton of facts and dates, no ideas are gain- 
ed, the learner feels no interest in the study, and of 
course neither comprehends nor remembers it. 

To avoid these difficulties, and at the same time 
impress the memory, and excite the interest, a few 
bold commanding outlines are sketched, to be com- 
mitted to memory. Lively and interesting details, 
anecdotes, adventures, and observations, connected 
with these outlines, are there introduced. The 
whole is arranged on principles of classification and 
association. The style in which these Works arei 
written, is simple, and studiously adapted to the ca- 1 
pacity of Youth. 



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